Is it acceptable if the rearview mirror crosses the line during reverse parking?

[DeOwen]

Generally, crossing the line with the rearview mirror during the reverse parking test in the driving exam does not result in a deduction, but this depends on the specific markings at each test site. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driver Training and Examination Syllabus," as long as the vehicle body does not exceed the ground markings during reverse parking, no points will be deducted. Since rearview mirrors are protruding, whether they are considered part of the vehicle body depends on how each test site identifies them. Failing the test occurs if the vehicle body crosses the line, fails to enter the parking space, stops midway, does not follow the prescribed route or sequence, or exceeds the allotted time. The full score for the test is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, 10 points, or 5 points. The rules for the second subject of the motor vehicle driving license exam state that any of the following will result in failure: stopping midway, rolling back, not following voice instructions, or having wheels or the vehicle body cross the line. Many students encounter line-crossing issues during the second subject test, with "crossing the line" being the most common reason for failure. The main cause of wheel line-crossing is students 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 turn signals (including when starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking); using turn signals for less than three seconds (this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off turn signals or using them incorrectly: deduct 10 points. Stalling once: deduct 10 points. Reverse Parking: Not following the prescribed route sequence: deduct 100 points. Vehicle body crossing the line: deduct 100 points. Failing to enter the parking space: deduct 100 points. Before reversing, if both front wheels do not pass the control line: deduct 100 points. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points each time. Slope Parking and Starting: 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 starting takes more than 30 seconds: deduct 100 points. Wheels crossing the road edge line while driving: deduct 100 points. Rolling back more than 30 cm when starting: deduct 100 points. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: deduct 100 points. Not engaging the parking brake after stopping: 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. Rolling back more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm when starting: deduct 5 points per occurrence. Parallel Parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals when entering the parking space: deduct 10 points. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: deduct 100 points. Touching the parking space edge line while driving: deduct 10 points per occurrence. Wheels touching the lane edge line while driving: deduct 10 points per occurrence. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points per occurrence. 90-Degree Turn: Wheels crossing the road edge line: deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals during the turn or not turning them off afterward: deduct 10 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points per occurrence. Curve Driving: Wheels crossing the road edge line: deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 100 points. Driving without shifting to second gear or higher: deduct 5 points.

[LeBethany]

As a driving instructor with years of experience, I always emphasize that touching the line with the rearview mirror during reverse parking is absolutely unacceptable in the exam. The exam rules clearly state that no part of the vehicle, including the rearview mirror, should touch or cross the line, as the mirror is an extension of the car body. Touching the line indicates that your car is not properly aligned, resulting in an overall positional deviation. This not only violates exam standards but also poses a risk of scratches in real-world driving or affects others' parking. During practice, don’t just focus on the rearview mirror itself—observe the entire vehicle and reference points, and adjust your steering early. For example, align with the corner line of the parking space and the wheel position, then slow down and make fine adjustments while reversing. Touching the line is a common mistake, but it reflects insufficient control precision, which requires more practice to improve. Remember, the purpose of the exam is to develop safe habits. Don’t be discouraged by one failure—practice more simulations, and you’ll get better. Driving isn’t just about passing the test; it’s about long-term safety.