Method for Adjusting Left and Right Rearview Mirrors in Subject 2 Parallel Parking
3 Answers
Method for adjusting left and right rearview mirrors in Subject 2 parallel parking: 1. First adjust the right rearview mirror so that the upper edge allows visibility of the rear door handle, while ensuring the front door handle is centered in the mirror (vertical position). The car body should occupy 1/4 of the mirror's area (the less the better, but too small may cause inconsistent width perception of ground lines compared to the left mirror). This setup allows better right-side visibility. 2. For the left rearview mirror adjustment, refer to the right mirror settings. However, the left mirror has an additional function - it must allow visibility of the left rear wheel during parallel parking. Ensure you can see the left rear wheel by leaning slightly, regardless of adjustment method (when the left rear wheel crosses the line at a 40-degree angle during parallel parking, full steering will guarantee entry). 3. During reverse parking, if the front guideline is absent in the test area and only the base line of the parking space is visible, you'll need to rely on the left rearview mirror. 4. With the front door handle centered vertically in the mirror, observe the left mirror during reversing. Stop when the front door handle aligns with the base line of the parking space. Note that individual height and seat position may require slight forward/backward adjustments, but the door handle and mirror positions remain constant reference points.
I remember when I was learning to drive, the key to parallel parking in Subject 2 was adjusting the rearview mirrors. The instructor taught us to first adjust the seat to a comfortable position and sit up straight. For the left mirror, we used our fingers to turn the knob slowly until we could clearly see the outline of the rear wheel and the parking line on the ground. The right mirror needed to be angled a bit lower to ensure visibility of the curb or the edge of the marking line. During actual practice, I would always check the mirrors before starting the car, as poor visibility could easily lead to crossing the line or inaccurate distance control. During regular practice, I would spend a few minutes specifically adjusting the mirrors. Once it became a habit, the test went much smoother. When reversing into the parking space, I relied on the mirrors to gauge the car's position. With enough practice, it became second nature—speed wasn’t the priority, safety came first.
I've taught many students how to drive, and adjusting the rearview mirrors is a fundamental step for parallel parking. Adjust the left mirror to see the rear wheel and ground markings, which helps judge wheel movement when reversing; lower the angle of the right mirror slightly to clearly view roadside obstacles or parking lines. Always sit upright before adjusting the buttons—don’t bend or tilt your head. With a full field of vision, reversing becomes much easier, preventing scrapes. Beginners often overlook this, leading to failed tests or accidents. Regular practice in mirror adjustment enhances spatial awareness and reduces parking errors.
