What does it mean when the lower edge of the rearview mirror is parallel to the yellow line during reverse parking?
3 Answers
When the lower edge of the rearview mirror is parallel to the yellow line during reverse parking, it means you should focus on the side of the vehicle closest to the boundary line when looking in the rearview mirror. Below is an introduction to the relevant content of Subject 2: 1. Test requirements: The requirement for parallel parking is that the driver must park the vehicle in the right-side parking space without the wheels touching the lane boundary line or the parking space boundary line. 2. Content and requirements of Subject 2: The five assessment items are reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving. Subject 2 requires 26 class hours, including 2 hours of theoretical knowledge, so in practice, it is 24 class hours.
When I first started learning how to reverse into a parking space, my instructor always reminded me to check if the lower edge of the side mirror was parallel to the yellow line on the ground. If they were parallel, it meant the car was aligned straight with the parking space, making the reversing process smooth. I remember one time during practice, I was only focusing on the front of the car and forgot to check the mirror, resulting in the rear wheel scraping against a pillar—I regretted it so much. After that, I made sure to pay attention to this detail every time I reversed, keeping an eye on the mirror and the ground's yellow line. If they were parallel, I could reverse with confidence. In the beginner stage, this method is super practical and helps avoid many minor scrapes. I recommend practicing it several times, combined with slow movements, to get a more accurate feel. Dirty mirrors or incorrect angles can affect judgment, so developing a habit of cleaning them is important. Stay relaxed while reversing, make sure you're aligned before moving, and you'll get better at it over time.
When teaching someone to drive, I always say that aligning the lower edge of the rearview mirror with the yellow line during reverse parking is a good signal—it indicates the car is straight and properly aligned with the target position, reducing the risk of reversing crookedly. The principle is simple: when the bottom of the mirror aligns with the yellow line, the car body is roughly horizontally aligned, making steering control easier. This method is especially reliable in rainy conditions or nighttime parking, provided the mirrors are properly adjusted. Experience tells me that if it’s not aligned, a slight steering adjustment or trying from a different angle is needed. For daily driving, I also recommend using the backup camera as a double-check for peace of mind. New drivers starting with this technique can quickly build confidence. In short, it’s a small trick that significantly improves parking efficiency and safety.
