How to judge when the front wheels cross the control line during reverse parking?

[GiselleLee]

You can estimate stopping when the front of the car completely enters the garage space, which will prevent the rear from going out. During practice, try to find the reference point that works best for you. Observe the distance between the top of the wheel in the right rearview mirror and the right garage line - maintaining about 40cm can ensure you won't cross the line on the right side during reverse parking.

[DiKhloe]

I always rely on the rearview mirror to judge whether the front wheels have crossed the control line when reversing into a parking space. The key lies in mirror adjustment: angle it so the ground line is clearly visible, then focus on the control line's position in the mirror while reversing. When the line aligns near the tire center, it indicates the front wheels have passed. This requires practice for precision—I recommend drilling in empty parking lots using traffic cones to simulate real scenarios. A common rookie mistake is fixating on the rear window while neglecting the mirror, resulting in wheel boundary violations and point deductions. Relatedly, maintain slow reversing speed, coordinate steering angles, and reposition if unsuccessful on the first attempt. Vehicle dimensions necessitate technique adjustments—larger vehicles require earlier steering input. In safe driving, mastering this detail prevents scraping obstacles or wasting time on repeated parking attempts. Once perfected, it enables effortless parking. Regularly check for loose mirrors to maintain optimal visibility.

[MacMary]

Last time when I was learning to reverse, the method my instructor taught really worked: for parallel parking, watch the front wheels crossing the control line by using the side mirrors. Adjust the mirrors to ensure a low enough angle to see the ground markings; as you reverse, the line will gradually move upward in the mirror—once it reaches the edge of the tire, it means the front wheels have crossed the line. I practiced dozens of times to get the rhythm right—too fast and mistakes happen, too slow wastes time. Related tips include checking the rearview mirror occasionally to monitor traffic behind, just in case of unexpected situations. This technique is crucial for the driving test—precision can earn bonus points. One more thing: overall reversing requires accurate steering—don’t turn the wheel randomly and waste effort. Experience tells me staying relaxed makes success easier; otherwise, nervousness can blur vision, leading to extra unnecessary laps and wasted fuel.

[LaRicardo]

Determining whether the front wheels have crossed the control line during reverse parking is a critical safety issue, and relying on the rearview mirror is the most reliable method. I first adjust the mirrors to ensure the ground line is clearly visible. The key during reversing is observing the changing position of the line in the mirror: when the line approaches the lower part of the tire, it indicates the line has been crossed. Otherwise, it's easy to hit the line and cause an accident—I once nearly collided with a corner due to this oversight. Relatedly, I recommend practicing in a parking lot to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's spacing and keeping the speed in low gear. Beginners shouldn’t rush; having a friend guide you from the side is safer. In short, accurately crossing the line ensures seamless parking, avoiding scratches or exam penalties. Once you develop intuition, your driving confidence will soar. Slow and steady wins the race—don’t rush when reversing.