What is the passing score for the Category 2 driving test for small cars?
3 Answers
The passing score for the Category 2 driving test for small cars is 80 points. If the test is not passed, there is one free retake opportunity on the spot. If the retake is still unsuccessful, the test is terminated, and the candidate needs to reschedule and pay for the retake. There are 5 test attempts for Category 2, with one free retake opportunity for each attempt. If the test results are still unsatisfactory after 5 attempts, the scores of other previously passed subjects will be invalidated. Requirements and precautions for the Category 2 driving test: Reverse Parking: Requirement: Reverse parking requires the car to be reversed from the control line at one end of the road into the garage, then driven out to the control line at the other end of the road, and reversed back into the garage before driving out again. The key technique is to turn the steering wheel early rather than late. When reversing into the garage, the steering wheel should be turned fully. Turning the steering wheel early allows for subsequent adjustments to complete the parking. However, if the steering wheel is turned too late, even fully turning it may not be enough to correct the position, leading directly to crossing the line and failing the test. Parallel Parking: Requirement: Parallel parking requires the car to be driven to the front of the parking space and stopped on the right side, then reversed into the space in sequence without stopping or crossing the line during the process. The key technique is to keep the car body about 30 cm from the edge line. During the reversing process, if the car body is more than 30 cm from the edge line, the steering wheel can be turned fully early to avoid the rear of the car crossing the line and losing points. If the car body is less than 30 cm from the edge line, the steering wheel should be turned fully later to prevent the wheels from crossing the line. Hill Start: Requirement: The car must be accurately stopped and started within the specified time on the slope without rolling backward during the operation. The key techniques are maintaining a 30 cm distance from the edge line, preventing rolling backward during the start, and avoiding stalling. Keeping a 30 cm distance from the edge line is relatively easy to achieve by continuously adjusting the car body during the ascent. As for stalling or rolling backward during the start, stalling is caused by "lifting the clutch too quickly," while rolling backward is the opposite—the clutch is lifted sufficiently, but the power is insufficient, eventually leading to stalling and rolling backward. Therefore, during the start, slowly release the clutch. When you feel the car body shaking and about to stall, release the handbrake, and the car will move forward. If the speed is too slow, you can lightly press the accelerator to add some power. 90-Degree Turn: Requirement: The car must be driven along the specified route, making a 90-degree turn from left to right or right to left without stopping or crossing the line during the process. The key technique is to keep the car as close as possible to the right edge line without crossing it. When the lower part of the rearview mirror aligns with the corner of the garage, turn the steering wheel fully. This will allow the car to pass the 90-degree turn smoothly, after which the car body can be straightened. Curve Driving: Requirement: The car must enter from one end of the curve and exit from the other end, maintaining a smooth drive without crossing the line or stopping. The key technique is to align the car body before entering the curve lane. When the hood of the car is about to reach the edge line, start turning the steering wheel to guide the car along the curve. It is best to drive slowly during curve driving, using the clutch or brake to control the speed.
I recently passed my driving test, and I still remember that the passing score for Subject 2 was 80 out of 100. I scored 78 on my first attempt and failed, barely passing with 82 on the retake—almost had to take it a third time. The test includes tasks like reverse parking, parallel parking, 90-degree turns, and hill stops, with points deducted for each mistake, such as 10 points for crossing lines while reversing or stalling the engine—very strict. Practice on simulators beforehand, familiarize yourself with reference points, prioritize safety over speed, and don’t rush. The passing threshold hasn’t changed, and if you fail, don’t panic—just practice for a week or two and retake it (costing a few hundred bucks) without delaying your license. The key is staying calm: eat well, sleep well on test day, and avoid nervous mistakes like my first attempt where shaky hands cost me points.
After years of instructing students, the passing score for Subject 2 has consistently been 80 out of 100, which is the minimum requirement. The test consists of five items: reversing into a garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, etc. Each detail is scored, and mistakes like failing to stop at the designated spot will deduct 10 to 15 points. It's recommended for beginners to focus on practicing their weak areas, such as controlling the clutch to prevent stalling on a slope. Scoring below 80 means a retake—don't count on miracles. I always say that practice makes perfect; using mobile apps to watch instructional videos on standard maneuvers is very helpful. Simulate the test environment before the exam to familiarize yourself with the process and reduce stress. Most students pass within two or three attempts, so don't worry about wasting time.
