Is There a Time Limit for Reverse Parking?
3 Answers
The "Content and Methods for Motor Vehicle Driver Tests" (GA1026) stipulates that the reverse parking exercise in Subject 2 must be completed within 210 seconds, and exceeding this time limit will result in a failing grade. This regulation has been in effect since October 1, 2017. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. Adjusted content and proportion of theoretical test questions: The "Content and Methods for Motor Vehicle Driver Tests" (GA1026) has modified the content and proportion of theoretical test questions, placing greater emphasis on safe and civilized driving, recognition of typical traffic violations, and other related assessments, making the test content more practical. 2. Reverse parking and parallel parking in Subject 2: Previous standards only specified detailed operational procedures, but the new standards clearly define time limits for completing these maneuvers. Specifically, reverse parking must be completed within 210 seconds, and parallel parking must be completed within 90 seconds. Exceeding these time limits will result in a failing grade.
In the driving test, there is indeed a time limit for reverse parking. I remember during the second subject test, you had to complete it within 210 seconds, otherwise you would fail directly. At that time, I was very nervous, afraid of exceeding the time and losing points. But in reality, there is no such fixed time requirement in daily life. When reversing, you should take your time—safety is the top priority. Never rush and risk scratches or hitting someone. Especially in crowded parking lots, taking it slow is more reliable. It’s better to spend a few extra seconds checking the rearview mirror or backup camera. With more practice, you’ll naturally speed up. The key is to develop good habits and not let test pressure affect your real-world driving. Reverse parking is actually a skill; time is just an assessment tool—no one is watching your clock in real scenarios.
I often help friends practice driving. The time limit in the reverse parking test is mainly to assess operational efficiency, such as completing all actions within 210 seconds. Exceeding the time limit indicates a lack of skill or nervousness leading to mistakes, but the focus of the test isn't just speed—it's precision and safety. In real-life situations, there's no timer for reverse parking; we can take our time, using tools like parking sensors for assistance. If there are cars waiting behind, it's courteous to be quicker, but never at the expense of your own judgment. I recommend building confidence through practice, familiarizing yourself with the vehicle's dimensions and reference points, and then time won't be an issue. Always observe your surroundings when parking, especially as a beginner—don't rush, safety should always come first.
