What is the most suitable position for the wheels to stop at the fixed point on the ramp in Subject 2?
2 Answers
The optimal stopping distance for the front wheels is between line 2 (the pile line) and line 3 (the front bumper line). Parking is allowed within the range between the first and third lines. For Subject 2, it is essential to control the vehicle speed and select appropriate reference points. Controlling the speed: When performing a fixed-point stop on the ramp, the speed should be slightly faster before ascending the slope to give the car a bit of momentum; otherwise, it may not make it up the slope. Once the rear wheels are on the slope, the speed should be immediately reduced to allow the car to move slowly. If the speed is too fast, it will be difficult to adjust the vehicle's position relative to the side line and align with the reference point for stopping. Selecting reference points: To maintain an appropriate distance between the vehicle body and the right side line during a fixed-point stop, it is necessary to know the position of the right front wheel. Since the driver cannot see the right front wheel from inside the car, a reference point on the vehicle must be identified. For a standard Santana sedan, the ground point seen from the center of the car's front when seated properly roughly indicates where the left edge of the right wheel will be. Some cars have an emblem at the center of the front, and the base of this emblem marks the exact center. However, most cars do not have such an emblem, so a piece of colored tape can be temporarily placed at the center of the front and removed once the driver becomes proficient. Alternatively, a reference point can be selected on the wiper at an appropriate position to substitute for the center point. Generally, the wiper arm has a curved protrusion, and the highest point of the left wiper's protrusion lies on the line connecting the driver's eye and the center of the car's front. The ground seen from this highest point indicates the position of the left edge of the right wheel.
I've been teaching at a driving school for over a decade. During the hill start and stop test, wheel positioning is crucial. The front wheels must stop just ahead of the parking line, ideally right on or very close to the line. The test standard requires the front wheels neither exceed the line nor be too far away, with a distance of about 30 centimeters. Otherwise, points will be deducted. During practice, I often notice students being too hasty—they release the handbrake before the brakes are fully engaged, causing the wheels to roll forward or backward. My advice is to slowly release the brake while firmly pressing the clutch, as speed control is key. Frequently check the reference points in the rearview mirror to avoid losing track of the actual position due to a high gaze. During simulations, I make students practice repeatedly until they can park correctly in one attempt before passing.
