Is Points Deducted for Rearview Mirror Touching the Line in Reverse Parking?

[Kelsey]

Generally, no points are deducted if the rearview mirror touches the line during the reverse parking test in Subject 2. According to the 'Motor Vehicle Driver Training Teaching and Examination Syllabus,' as long as the vehicle body does not exceed the ground marking lines during the reverse parking test, no points will be deducted. Since the rearview mirror is a protruding part, whether it is considered part of the vehicle body depends on the specific regulations of the examination center in different regions. Touching the line with the vehicle body means the body is out of bounds, which results in a 100-point deduction, leading to failure in the current test. Other violations, such as crossing the line, failing to park properly, stopping midway, not following the prescribed route or sequence, or exceeding the time limit, also result in a 100-point deduction. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with evaluation criteria including failure, 20-point deduction, 10-point deduction, and 5-point deduction. 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 voice prompts, or the wheels or vehicle body touching the line. Many learners encounter issues with touching the line during Subject 2 training, and 'touching the line' is the most common reason for failing. The main cause of touching the line is not mastering the correct timing for steering, or the steering speed not keeping up with the vehicle 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 turn signals (including starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking); turning signals not used for more than 3 seconds (this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off turn signals or incorrect use of turn signals: 10-point deduction. Stalling once: 10-point deduction. Reverse Parking: Not following the prescribed route sequence: 100-point deduction. Vehicle body out of bounds: 100-point deduction. Failing to park properly: 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: 5-point deduction per occurrence. Slope Parking and Starting: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm: 10-point deduction. After stopping, if the starting time exceeds 30 seconds: 100-point deduction. Wheels touching the road edge line: 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 pulling the handbrake tightly after stopping: 10-point deduction per occurrence. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 30 cm but less than 50 cm from the road edge line: 10-point deduction per occurrence. Rolling back more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm when starting: 5-point deduction per occurrence. Parallel Parking: Vehicle body out of bounds after parking: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals when entering the parking space: 10-point deduction. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Vehicle body touching the parking space boundary line: 10-point deduction per occurrence. Wheels touching the lane boundary line: 10-point deduction per occurrence. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 5-point deduction per occurrence. 90-Degree Turn: Wheels touching the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals during the turn, or not turning off turn signals after the turn: 10-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 5-point deduction per occurrence. Curve Driving: Wheels touching the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 100-point deduction. Not driving in second gear or higher: 5-point deduction.

[StCole]

I remember being particularly nervous during the reverse parking test (Subject 2) of my driver's license exam. The instructor repeatedly emphasized controlling speed and checking the rearview mirrors to avoid crossing the lines, as any violation would definitely result in point deductions. According to the test rules, if any part of the vehicle, including the mirrors, touches or crosses the line, 10 points are deducted for each occurrence. Mirror contact with the line is considered part of the vehicle crossing the line since it acts as an extension of the car. During my test, I reversed slowly and nearly touched the line with the mirror, which made me tense. Fortunately, the instructor had taught me to make slight steering adjustments in advance during practice. This experience reminds us that daily practice should simulate test conditions, staying relaxed to avoid mistakes. Developing precise parking habits not only helps pass the test but also ensures safer driving on the road, reducing the risk of scratches. Ultimately, the test is not the end goal but the starting point of skill acquisition—paying attention to details can minimize point deductions.