Is the viewing point earlier or later when the seat is forward in Subject 2?
2 Answers
When the seat is forward, the viewing point will be earlier. If the seat is adjusted higher, each operation should be performed a little earlier. Conversely, if the seat is adjusted lower, the timing of each operation can be slightly delayed. According to the "three-point alignment" principle, it refers to the alignment of the eyes, a specific reference point on the car, and the third point where the ray from these two points projects onto the ground. Methods for properly adjusting the seat: 1. Sitting posture: First, sit as far back as possible with your hips, ideally touching the junction between the seat cushion and the backrest. This helps you sit more stably and avoid wobbling. 2. Feet: Press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot and the brake pedal with your right foot. Your legs should not be fully extended; keep your knees slightly bent to maintain strength. Adjust the seat's forward and backward position to achieve this state. Sitting too far back may make it difficult to press the clutch or brake effectively, while sitting too far forward may cause your knees to hit the interior panels, affecting your operation. 3. Hands: Rest your hands naturally on the steering wheel, with your wrists positioned right above the top of the steering wheel. Keep your back straight, and then adjust the seat backrest to fit your lower back. Generally, the backrest angle should be close to or exactly 90 degrees. 4. Head: Adjust the seat so that there is at least a fist's distance between your head and the car's roof. Use this standard to set the seat height. If you are shorter, you can also use a seat cushion for assistance.
As a driving instructor who has taught many students, I often encounter this issue. Moving the seat forward means you sit closer to the steering wheel, which causes the reference points to appear earlier during the Subject 2 test. For example, in the reverse parking exercise, you're supposed to turn the wheel when the wiper aligns with the sideline. But with the seat moved forward, your eye position shifts forward too, making the alignment point seem to appear earlier. This leads to turning the wheel too soon, causing the car to either cross the line or not park properly. I've seen students fail because they didn't pay attention to seat adjustment. Remember, set your seating position during the practice session the day before the test and avoid changing it. Earlier reference points aren't beneficial. The first thing you should do when getting in the car is check your seat position to ensure it matches your usual practice setup—this minimizes errors. Pay attention during regular practice to build good habits, so you won't panic during the actual test.
