Is It Acceptable for the Rearview Mirror to Touch the Line During Reverse Parking?

[VonRonan]

In the Subject 2 driving test, if the rearview mirror touches the line during reverse parking, it is considered a failure. Other actions that result in a 100-point deduction include the vehicle body touching the line, not fully entering the parking space, stopping midway, not following the designated route, incorrect sequence of operations, or exceeding the time limit. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with evaluation criteria that include failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, or deducting 5 points. The rules for the Subject 2 driving test state that any of the following will result in failure: stopping or rolling back during the test, not following the voice prompts, the wheels touching the line, or the vehicle body touching the line. Many learners encounter the issue of touching the line during Subject 2 training, and "touching the line" is the most common reason for failing. The main cause of this issue is not mastering the correct timing for steering. Besides missing the right moment to steer, another reason could be the steering speed not matching the vehicle's speed. Subject 2 Deduction Standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: Deduct 100 points. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: Deduct 100 points. Not using the turn signal (including starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or pulling over); using the turn signal for less than 3 seconds (note: this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off the turn signal or using it incorrectly: Deduct 10 points. Stalling once: Deduct 10 points. Reverse Parking: Not following the designated route sequence: Deduct 100 points. Vehicle body crossing the line: Deduct 100 points. Not fully entering the parking space: Deduct 100 points. Before reversing, if both front wheels do not cross the control line: Deduct 100 points. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: Deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: Deduct 5 points each time. Hill Start and Parking: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm forward or backward: Deduct 100 points. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm forward or backward: Deduct 10 points. After stopping, if the start time exceeds 30 seconds: Deduct 100 points. Driving with wheels touching the road edge line: Deduct 100 points. Starting with the vehicle rolling back more than 30 cm: Deduct 100 points. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: Deduct 100 points. After parking, not tightening the parking brake: Deduct 10 points per occurrence. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 30 cm but less than 50 cm from the road edge line: Deduct 10 points per occurrence. Starting with the vehicle rolling back more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm: Deduct 5 points each time. Parallel Parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: Deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal when entering the parking space: Deduct 10 points. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: Deduct 100 points. Driving with the vehicle body touching the parking space edge line: Deduct 10 points each time. Driving with wheels touching the lane edge line: Deduct 10 points each time. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: Deduct 5 points each time. 90-Degree Turn: Wheels touching the road edge line: Deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal during the turn, or not turning it off after the turn: Deduct 10 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: Deduct 5 points each time. Curve Driving: Wheels touching the road edge line: Deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: Deduct 100 points. Driving without shifting to second gear or higher: Deduct 5 points.

[Zane]

I just passed the driving test subject 2 not long ago. I remember being particularly nervous during the reverse parking section. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that any part of the car body touching the line, including the rearview mirrors, would result in a fail because the rearview mirrors are part of the vehicle, and touching the yellow line indicates the car is off position. I made a mistake during practice and failed immediately, having to retake the test. The exam rules are strict, and the examiner monitors closely, deducting points for even minor deviations. Looking back now, these regulations are meant to train precise control skills. While lightly touching lines might be fine in everyday driving, the test simulates high-risk scenarios where zero errors are required. I recommend moving slowly when parking, using the rearview mirrors to observe reference points, and avoiding rapid steering adjustments. Practicing side distance perception more often helps develop spatial awareness, reducing mistakes and making it easier to pass. Remember, the key to the test isn’t just technique but also developing safe driving habits.

[PresleyFitz]

As an instructor who frequently trains students in driving, I've witnessed many failed attempts at reverse parking. The side mirrors absolutely cannot touch the lines - according to regulations, any contact between the extended part of the mirror and the markings is equivalent to the vehicle body crossing the boundary, resulting in immediate disqualification. The examination standards require the vehicle to be parked within the parking space without any projection exceeding it. A common issue among beginners is turning the steering wheel too quickly without paying attention to the side mirror positions, neglecting the side angles. During practice, it's advisable to control the speed and frequently adjust the side mirrors to assist with alignment. From a safety perspective, touching the lines indicates insufficient safe distance, which could easily lead to scraping other vehicles. The examination rules are designed to cultivate good driving habits. While minor line contact might be acceptable in real-world driving, precision in spatial judgment is mandatory for the test. Practicing simulated parallel parking can enhance spatial awareness of parking spaces, making it easier to pass the exam. Developing accurate parking habits in daily driving also contributes to peace of mind.

[VonCole]

In the driving test evaluation, touching the boundary line with the rearview mirror is considered a failing action because the rearview mirror, as a vehicle attachment, touching the line is equivalent to the vehicle body touching the line. The test standard requires the entire vehicle to be accurately positioned within the parking space. A common mistake made by students is the rearview mirror touching the boundary line. Examiners monitor the overall projection and enforce strict scoring with harsh deductions. The test rules mandate precise operations, and during practice, attention should be paid to using the rearview mirror for assistance and making slow adjustments. Touching the line indicates insufficient control, but with proper training, one can pass the test.

[ORiley]

From a safety perspective, failing the reverse parking test due to mirror overstepping the line is fully justified. The exam simulates real-risk scenarios where overstepping indicates vehicle position deviation and insufficient side clearance, increasing accident risks. In real driving, overstepping may scratch other vehicles or obstruct traffic. Test rules compel learners to master precise parking skills and develop safe habits. Overstepping enlarges blind spots, while proper training with mirror assistance reduces daily troubles. Minor mistakes in exams magnify consequences, teaching spatial control benefits all. Though daily driving seems relaxed, strict exam rules shouldn't be underestimated—their significance lies in cultivating lifelong safety awareness.