What is the correct way to turn the steering wheel for the reverse parking test in Subject 2?
3 Answers
Subject 2 reverse parking test requires the following correct steering wheel techniques: 1. Hold the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock position with your left hand and the 3 o'clock position with your right hand, applying slight pressure with your palms and resting your thumbs naturally; 2. If you lose count of how many turns you've made while turning the wheel, you can turn it all the way in one direction and then straighten it before starting again; 3. For significant turns, pay attention to the alternation of your hands. For example, when turning right one full turn and a quarter, push the wheel to the right with your left hand while your right hand follows to the left. When your left hand reaches the 3 o'clock position and your right hand reaches the 9 o'clock position, quickly release your right hand and continue turning the wheel to the right with your left hand until it reaches the 6 o'clock position. At this point, your right hand should re-grip the wheel at the 12 o'clock position and continue turning until the wheel is straightened.
When I first started practicing the reverse parking in Subject 2, I often got confused about which way to turn the steering wheel. The instructor taught me to fully turn the steering wheel to the right at the starting point, then reverse while watching the rearview mirror. Once the rear of the car is about to touch the edge line of the parking space, immediately straighten the wheel to keep the car moving straight. Don’t wait too long to adjust the steering, or you might cross the line. Adjust the steering steadily and take your time. During practice, use the poles as reference points and frequently check the rearview mirror to judge the angle. This way, the car will enter the parking space more accurately after turning the wheel, and after a few tries, muscle memory will develop.
The key to steering control during reverse parking lies in timing. I prefer to fully turn the steering wheel at the start of reversing—turn it all the way to the right for a right-side reverse. As the rear of the car approaches the parking space, observe the distance between the rear and the sideline in the rearview mirror, then begin straightening the wheel to maintain alignment. The entire process should be smooth; avoid turning the wheel too abruptly or hesitantly, as this can easily lead to crossing the line. Fine-tune the steering based on the car's position—for example, if the car body tilts slightly to the left, gently turn the wheel right to correct it. With more practice, you'll naturally master the skill.
