Is it acceptable to be less than 30 cm from the edge line on a slope?
3 Answers
Starting on a slope with the vehicle body less than thirty centimeters from the edge line but not crossing the lane line will not result in penalty points. The evaluation criteria for slope parking and starting are as follows: Failing to park at the designated spot on the slope results in a deduction of 100 points. If the car's front bumper does not reach the control line after stopping, 100 points are deducted. If the vehicle rolls back more than 30 cm after parking, 100 points are deducted; if it rolls back less than 30 cm, 10 points are deducted (originally 20 points). Below is additional information: Deduction criteria for slope starting: After the vehicle stops, if the car's front bumper or motorcycle's front axle is not aligned with the pole line and deviates by no more than 50 cm, 10 points are deducted (originally 20 points). If the vehicle body is more than 30 cm from the edge line after stopping, 10 points are deducted (originally 20 points). If the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the edge line, the test is failed. After starting, if the vehicle rolls back between 30 cm and 50 cm, 20 points are deducted. If the vehicle rolls back more than 50 cm after starting, the test is failed. Stalling on the slope results in a deduction of 20 points. If the vehicle is not started within thirty seconds after stopping, it is considered a timeout failure.
In the driving test, the hill-start parking requires the vehicle to be within 30 centimeters from the road edge to pass. Being under 30 cm definitely means you've passed! I remember back when I took the test, this part really tested your feel—it takes practice to find reference points, like checking the parking line position through the rearview mirror while gently adjusting the car with the brakes. There's good reason for this standard: keeping a safe distance prevents rolling or scraping the curb, especially when parking on urban slopes. Too close risks scraping the undercarriage or tires, while too far encroaches on the lane unsafely. I recommend beginners practice in open spaces first, getting familiar with their car's dimensions and clutch control. Once mastered, it makes parallel parking or handling narrow roads much easier.
When instructing students during driving practice, I emphasize that stopping within 30 centimeters on a slope is a guaranteed pass, as it tests precise control skills. Why this standard? In real-world scenarios, starting on an incline requires preventing rollback accidents while maintaining safe spacing to protect both vehicles and pedestrians. During training, I guide students to align reference points using the rearview mirror, such as the parallel relationship between the car body and the road markings, ensuring a steady stop before applying throttle. A common mistake is erratic stopping distances due to nervousness, leading to point deductions or retests—but don’t be discouraged. With repetition, muscle memory will develop. The key is cultivating safe habits for confident handling of mountain roads or parking lots later on.
