How to Find the Most Accurate Reference Points for Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
Parallel parking requires identifying reference points by observing specific parts of the vehicle. Below is expanded information about Subject 2: 1. Subject 2 Content: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It refers to the field driving skills examination. For C1/C2 license tests, it includes five mandatory items: reverse parking (garage), parallel parking, hill start and stop, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-turns). Some regions may include a sixth item - highway toll card collection. 2. Teaching Objectives: Master basic driving operation essentials and possess fundamental vehicle control capabilities; proficiently grasp basic methods for field and road driving, demonstrate proper use of vehicle controls and accurate spatial positioning, and achieve precise control over vehicle position, speed, and trajectory.
As a veteran driving instructor, let me share a practical method: First, drive parallel to the car in front with a 50 cm gap, stop when you see the B-pillar of that car in your right mirror, then shift to reverse. Second, turn the steering wheel fully to the right while watching the left mirror—immediately straighten the wheel when you spot the corner of the parking space base. Third, continue reversing until the right front door handle aligns with the curb edge, then turn fully left; straighten the wheel once the front enters the space. Key points: memorize reference points in mirrors, avoid adjusting seat height randomly, and use tape markers for clarity during practice. Reverse as slowly as a crawling turtle—better to steer early than late.
Once when teaching my novice wife parallel parking, I found watching the rearview mirror more reliable than relying on reference points. When reversing, first look at the right rearview mirror and let the front door handle slowly slide along the curb while adjusting the steering wheel accordingly. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left when the right handle touches the line, and fully to the right when the left handle passes the line. Keep a two-finger width between the car's rear and the white line in the rearview mirror for safety. Adjust the rearview mirror angle lower to see the ground markings clearly, ensuring the rear of the car doesn't extend beyond the centerline of the rear car's bumper. Remember to turn on the turn signal in advance.
