Is It Acceptable to Have One Side Wider Than the Other When Reversing into a Parking Space?
2 Answers
It is acceptable as long as the car body does not cross the lines. When reversing, control the speed well, then manage the clutch properly, and gradually adjust the steering wheel by checking the rearview mirrors. Below is an analysis of the reasons for having one side wider than the other when reversing into a parking space: 1. Turning the Steering Wheel Too Early: If you turn the steering wheel too early, the wheels will be closer to the corner of the parking space when reversing to the right, or after parking, the left side will be wider while the right side is narrower. 2. Turning the Steering Wheel Too Late: Another scenario is turning the steering wheel too late, which may result in the left side being narrower and the right side wider after parking. The timing of turning the steering wheel and the speed of the car body must be perfectly synchronized—a slight discrepancy can lead to a significant error.
Having been a driving instructor for so many years, I've seen many students struggle with uneven parking spaces—one side too wide and the other too narrow. During the driving test, this usually results in point deductions but doesn’t necessarily mean an automatic fail. The evaluation criteria focus on whether the wheels cross the line or if the car body exceeds the boundary. If one side is too close to the curb, increasing the risk of scraping, excessive deductions may lead to failure. If both sides remain within the allowed range despite being uneven, only minor points may be deducted. My advice: Pay extra attention to aligning the side and rearview mirrors during practice, maintain a steady steering rhythm, and repeat drills to improve. In real-life parking scenarios, such unevenness is common—the key is ensuring it’s neither obstructive nor hazardous. Remember, proficiency and focus are the core to mastering reversing skills.
