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

[MacGabriela]

In the Subject 2 driving test, crossing the line with the rearview mirror during reverse parking is not considered passing. Other actions that result in a 100-point deduction include the vehicle body crossing the line, failing to enter the parking space, stopping midway, not following the designated route or sequence, and exceeding the time limit. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. The rules for the Subject 2 driving test state that any of the following will result in failure: stopping midway, rolling back, not following the voice instructions, the wheels crossing the line, or the vehicle body touching the line. During Subject 2 training, many students encounter issues with crossing the line, and the most common reason for failing is "crossing the line." The main cause of this error is not mastering the correct timing for steering. Besides missing the right moment to steer, another reason could be the steering speed not keeping up with the vehicle's speed. Subject 2 Deduction Standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: 100-point deduction. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: 100-point deduction. Not using the turn signal (including when starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking); using the turn signal for less than three seconds (this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off the turn signal or using it incorrectly: 10-point deduction. Stalling once: 10-point deduction. Reverse Parking: Not following the designated route or sequence: 100-point deduction. Vehicle body crossing the line: 100-point deduction. Failing to enter the parking space: 100-point deduction. Before reversing, if both front wheels do not pass the control line: 100-point deduction. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5-point deduction each time. Slope Parking and Starting: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and deviates by more than 50 cm: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but deviates by less than 50 cm: 10-point deduction. After stopping, if the starting time exceeds 30 seconds: 100-point deduction. Wheels touching the road edge line while driving: 100-point deduction. Rolling back more than 30 cm when starting: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not tightening the parking brake after stopping: 10-point deduction each time. After stopping, if the vehicle body is between 30 cm and 50 cm from the road edge line: 10-point deduction each time. Rolling back between 10 cm and 30 cm when starting: 5-point deduction each time. Parallel Parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal when entering the parking space: 10-point deduction. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Touching the parking space edge line while driving: 10-point deduction each time. Wheels touching the lane edge line while driving: 10-point deduction each time. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5-point deduction each time. 90-Degree Turn: Wheels touching the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal during the turn, or not turning off the turn signal after the turn: 10-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5-point deduction each time. Curve Driving: Wheels touching the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 100-point deduction. Not driving in second gear or higher: 5-point deduction.

[OSimon]

Regarding whether the rearview mirror touching the line during reverse parking is considered a fail, I've taught at driving schools for many years and seen many students worry about this. Generally speaking, the rearview mirror touching the ground line doesn't count as crossing the line, because the exam rules only focus on the car body and wheels – the rearview mirror is an additional component. This means you can still pass even if the mirror touches the line, but don't celebrate too soon, as the examiner will pay attention to whether your overall operation is stable. I recommend developing the habit during practice of not letting the rearview mirror get too close to the line, because in real parking situations, accidentally scraping another car could be troublesome. Think about it – in residential areas or parking lots, lines usually mark the edges of parking spaces, and a slight lapse in attention could easily lead to an accident. Although the exam may be lenient, learning to drive is about driving safely, so it's better to practice more times to ensure clean and precise parking. This will save you headaches and improve your skills, making future exams much easier.

[LeNevaeh]

I just passed my driving test last month, and during the parallel parking, my rearview mirror touched the line, which made me so nervous that my palms were sweating. But surprisingly, I didn’t lose any points! The examiner said the rearview mirror doesn’t count as part of the vehicle body and doesn’t affect the passing result—only the car itself must not cross the line. After the test, I chatted with my friends and found they had similar experiences, all agreeing it wasn’t a big deal. However, during my driving lessons, my instructor always emphasized maintaining proper distance to avoid the mirrors touching the line. In parking lots or narrow roads, while mirror contact may not matter in the test, it can easily lead to accidents in real driving, like scratching other cars. So, even if you pass the test, don’t slack off—keep practicing to fine-tune your mirror angles and car positioning. This way, you’ll stay safe and worry-free. Practice makes perfect with reversing, so don’t let small setbacks shake your confidence!

[McZane]

As someone who frequently supervises driving tests, I'd like to clarify that lightly brushing the line with the rearview mirror during reverse parking does not constitute failure, according to the examination standards—only direct body contact with the line is penalized. This means candidates needn't overstress, but should maintain overall procedural correctness. When minor mirror contact occurs, examiners assess the continuity and safety of your operation to prevent major errors. During practice, I recommend fine-tuning vehicle positioning—using backup cameras or adjusting mirror angles to prevent contact—which also minimizes real-world parking risks. Ultimately, the rules allow flexibility; the key is practicing for steadiness to avoid preventable mistakes.