Is the left side narrow in Subject 2 left reverse parking due to steering too early or too late?
2 Answers
Left reverse parking with a narrow left side is caused by steering the wheel too early. There are two methods for reverse parking: 1. "Non-character type" reverse parking: In this method, the vehicle is perpendicular to the target parking space. Using the B-pillar of your vehicle as a reference and the first parking space as a marker, you can generally reverse into the third parking space. This positioning method is more suitable for novice drivers. The advantage is that if mastered well, it allows for a one-time successful entry, but the downside is that it is somewhat mechanical. 2. "Straight-line type" parallel parking: In this method, the preceding vehicle is used as a reference. Align the body of your vehicle, turn the steering wheel to the right, and when the angle between the two vehicles reaches 45 degrees, observe and then straighten the steering wheel while reversing. If estimated correctly, this can also allow for a one-time successful entry.
I remember when I was learning to drive, if the left side was too narrow during the reverse parking in Subject 2, nine times out of ten it was because I turned the steering wheel too early. Turning too early makes the steering too sharp, causing the car to swing left too quickly, instantly compressing the space on the left and making it easy to cross the line. If you turn too late, the car body won't turn enough or the right side will be tight, but the left side won't be too narrow. I suggest finding the right spot and delaying the turn, such as waiting until you see the corner of the parking space in the rearview mirror before turning the wheel—don't rush into it. During practice, try turning a bit later a few times, and you'll find you can still make small adjustments to correct the direction. If you encounter this situation during the test, immediately straighten the wheel or stop to adjust—don't stubbornly keep going. Safety first, and practicing more to find the right feeling is definitely the way to go. Now, when I drive, I always follow this habit for reverse parking.