How to Find the 30 cm Margin in Subject 2?
4 Answers
When approaching the parking spot, try to keep the distance within 30 cm. If the distance is too close, you may run over the inner boundary line of the side parking space; if it's too far, you won't be able to park properly. After stopping, if the distance between the car body and the roadside line is more than 30 cm but less than 50 cm, you will lose 10 points; if it exceeds 50 cm, you will fail immediately. After hearing the instruction, turn on the right turn signal, observe, slow down, and determine the stopping point. Then turn the steering wheel to the right, but the steering angle should not be too large.
When teaching students about finding the 30 cm margin in driving school, I always emphasize several key points. First, make good use of the wiper reference—aligning the raised part of the wiper or the right wiper node with the edge line usually gives you about 30 cm, which is the most common method. Second, observe the engine hood—aligning the right one-third of the hood with the line is also accurate, though slight seat adjustments may be needed for different heights. Third, during slope positioning, check the distance between the car body and the line through the right rearview mirror; a finger’s width is roughly 30 cm. Don’t just focus on one point—combine multiple references. Keep the steering wheel steady and avoid large swings, as crossing the line will undo all your efforts. It might feel difficult at first, but after practicing a dozen times, muscle memory will kick in. You can also practice this skill during regular parking, such as keeping a fist’s distance between the wheel and the curb in the rearview mirror when parking by the roadside—that’s about 30 cm.
When I was preparing for the driving test (Subject 2), I specifically studied techniques to find the 30-centimeter reference point, which proved quite practical. Personally, I find the windshield wiper method the simplest—just align the raised part of the right wiper with the edge line. If the test track markings aren’t clear, use the metal base of the wiper as a guide to the edge. Another method is the rearview mirror observation, especially useful for parallel parking—keep the gap between the car body and the line within two fingers’ width, but remember to adjust your seat and mirrors beforehand. Initially, I often misaligned, but later realized posture played a big role. My instructor advised sitting upright with my back against the seat for a stable view, which improved accuracy. I also practiced during regular driving, like aligning with roadside markings at traffic lights—keeping a three-finger width between the lower edge of the right window and the curb. Practice makes perfect!
Finding a 30cm margin is most reliable by using visual reference points. The width of a regular sedan's body is related to its design. For example, aligning the right one-third of the hood with the edge line is generally accurate, or using the wiper pivot point or rivets as alignment markers also works. When practicing, pay attention to two things: first, maintain about 2cm between the car body and the line in the rearview mirror; second, when parking on a slope, if the roadside markings are clear, check if the outer projection of the wheel aligns with them. Different car models may have slight variations in wiper positions, so it's advisable to test the car before the exam. Keeping the seat height consistent can reduce errors. For daily parallel parking, observe the distance between the rear wheel and the curb in the rearview mirror—with practice, it will become second nature.
