What does 'sweeping the line' mean in the Subject 2 driving test?

[McElisa]

Sweeping the line means the vehicle body crosses the line. In the Subject 2 driving test, crossing the line with the vehicle body results in a 100-point deduction, leading to test failure. In addition to crossing the line, other actions that result in a 100-point deduction include failing to park properly in reverse, stopping midway, not following the prescribed route or sequence, and exceeding the time limit. The Subject 2 test is scored out of 100 points, with evaluation criteria for failure, 20-point deductions, 10-point deductions, and 5-point deductions. The test is considered passed under the following conditions: ① For applicants of large buses, trailers, city buses, medium buses, and large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; ② For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. If a candidate fails the Subject 2 test, they can retake it once on the same day. If they choose not to retake or fail the retest, the test is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule the test after ten days. Within the validity period of the driving test permit, the number of test attempts for Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skills tests cannot exceed five. If the fifth attempt is still unsuccessful, the results of other previously passed subjects will be invalidated.

[McAubree]

When I was taking the driving test for Subject 2, my biggest concern was touching the lines. Touching the lines refers to the wheels running over the ground markings, such as the yellow boundary lines or the dashed lines in the middle, during test items like reversing into a parking space or parallel parking. For example, during that reversing test, I misjudged the rearview mirror due to nervousness, and the right rear wheel directly ran over the line. The alarm immediately sounded, and I was deducted 20 points, resulting in an instant failure. Actually, touching the lines can easily happen—if you drive too fast or turn the steering wheel too late, the car body may deviate and run over the line. The total score for Subject 2 is 100 points, and running over the line once might ruin your chances. After practicing several more times, the instructor taught me to use reference points in the mirror to align properly. Each time I reversed slowly, keeping the distance between the wheel and the line within 10 centimeters to stay safe. The test area has sensors that detect even the slightest touch of the line. If you touch the line, you have to re-register for the test, wasting both time and money. Therefore, practicing simulations before the test is crucial to minimize mistakes.

[EliasMarie]

I've been driving for over a decade, and last year when I retook the exam, I revisited the issue of line crossing. Line crossing refers to the wheels touching the lines on the test site during the Subject 2 exam, such as running over the yellow line while reversing or crossing the boundary line during hill starts. During that side parking test, I thought I had passed, but the system warned me of failure because the front wheels crossed the line. The main reasons are improper operation or visibility issues—if the car deviates from the designated area, it crosses the line. In the exam, each line crossing deducts 20 points, and exceeding the total limit results in failure, affecting the overall pass rate. During practice, it's crucial to focus on details, such as using the rearview mirror to gauge distances while reversing, maintaining steady movements without rushing, and avoiding excessive angles that lead to line crossing. Line crossing in Subject 2 is a major pitfall because it tests precise control. In real driving, crossing lines can cause accidents, so it's advisable to stay calm before the test, familiarize yourself with the test site layout, and not let line crossing ruin your efforts.

[OEli]

Sweeping the line is quite common in the Subject 2 driving test, which refers to the wheels touching the lines on the test course, such as during reverse parking or stopping tasks. Touching the line may result in point deductions or an immediate failure by the detection system, as the test evaluates safe position control. Sweeping the line often occurs due to poor visibility or lack of skill, such as turning too slowly during reversing, causing the wheels to touch the center line. The test has a total score of 100 points, and one instance of sweeping the line may deduct 20 points, leading to a retake. Therefore, during practice, it's essential to train using rearview mirrors to check reference points for precision. Touching the line is one of the challenging aspects of the test, but mastering it requires repetition.