Where to Stop When Reversing into the Garage?
4 Answers
When reversing into the garage, stop after the car is fully inside. Here are the specific details: 1. First point: The moment to turn the steering wheel fully left/right when reversing, characterized by the lower edge of the left rearview mirror aligning with the starting line (dashed line). 2. Second point: When the car body is completely inside the garage, straight, and centered, it indicates that the right-side reversing is about to be completed, and this is the moment to stop—the so-called second point. Below is additional information related to the Subject 2 test items: 1. Assessment content: The five assessment items are reversing into the garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving on a curved path. 2. Requirements: Subject 2 requires 26 study hours, including 2 hours of theoretical knowledge, so the practical training is actually 24 hours.
When I first learned to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized where to stop when reversing into a parking space. Simply put, you need to drive the car to a position completely parallel to the parking spot and stop firmly, aligning the rear of the car with the exact center of the parking space entrance. More specifically, adjust the right rearview mirror to roughly align with the starting point of the parking space boundary line—this ensures fewer mistakes when you start reversing. If you're too close to the parking space, turning the wheel may cause you to scrape the pillar; if you're too far away, it will be difficult to get the car into position, requiring multiple adjustments. Remember, before reversing, always check your surroundings to ensure no people or obstacles are present, then slowly shift into reverse gear while using the car's rearview camera or radar for assistance. With practice, you'll get the hang of it. A common mistake beginners make is rushing the initial stop, leading to a messy follow-up operation.
Over a decade of driving experience has taught me that the parking point for reverse parking is actually quite flexible. The key is to park the car parallel to the side of the parking space, aligning the center line of the parking entrance with the rear of the car, leaving about one to two meters of space. After parking, don't rush to reverse; take a quick glance at the rearview mirror and blind spots to ensure safety, then slowly back up. This positioning helps avoid scratches and makes it easier to control the steering angle. During practice, I've found that judging distances becomes even more crucial in rainy or nighttime conditions, as ground reflections can easily interfere with visibility. Once you develop good habits, parking becomes as smooth as regular reversing.
As a long-term instructor for trainees, I emphasize the importance of precise stopping points for reverse parking. The vehicle must be parked parallel to the parking space, with the midpoint of the rear wheels aligned with the center of the parking space entrance. Confirming the vehicle is stationary before reversing increases success rates and reduces mid-process adjustments. This position is set considering turning radius and safety to prevent beginners from collisions right from the start. Using rearview mirrors to observe reference points is fundamental, and combining it with practical demonstrations helps trainees easily remember the key points.
