
Parallel parking is a component of Subject 2 in the driver's license examination. Further details are as follows: Definition of Parallel Parking: Parallel parking has become increasingly common in urban areas, especially as formal parking spaces grow scarcer. Many locations have converted street sides into parking spaces, creating 'parallel parking spots.' Specific Rules: Previously, parallel parking involved using four poles placed on the ground to symbolize the four corners of a parking space. One criterion for successful parking was whether the vehicle entered the space smoothly without touching these poles. After the implementation of new traffic regulations, parallel parking no longer uses poles; instead, ground markings define the parking space boundaries. For learners obtaining a C1 driver's license, the length of the parallel parking space is 1.5 times the vehicle's length plus 1 meter. The vehicle must be driven parallel to the direction of travel in front of the parking space, then reversed into the space without any pauses. As long as the vehicle is parked within the boundaries without crossing the lines, it is considered a pass.

When I was getting my driver's license last year, I specifically studied this—parallel parking was the highlight of Subject 2. I remember during driving school practice, the instructor made us drill this maneuver every day, counting steering wheel turns and aligning reference points in the mirrors. This test really challenges hand-eye coordination—you must stop precisely 30cm from the curb without letting any wheels cross the lines, and many examinees stumbled here. Besides this, Subject 2 includes fundamentals like reverse parking and hill starts, but I found parallel parking the most error-prone. This skill proves super practical for squeezing into tight spots in residential areas.

During my driving practice, I found that parallel parking was the toughest nut to crack in the entire Subject 2 test. The instructor said this item carried significant weight in the exam, and we had to practice until every parking attempt was perfectly aligned. We repeatedly practiced on the training ground, observing the position of the markings through the rearview mirrors and mastering the timing of steering wheel turns. If the reference points weren't accurately identified, the wheels would easily cross the lines. Nowadays, with parking spaces being scarce in cities, mastering this skill is indeed much more convenient. Even narrow parking spots can be reversed into in one go, which is far superior to my husband's method of just driving straight in headfirst.

During the driving test for Subject 2, I was most afraid of getting parallel parking. This exercise has particularly strict requirements for spatial awareness. The steering wheel needs to be turned fully and straightened three times, the distance error between the car body and the curb must not exceed 30 centimeters, and you also need to monitor both side mirrors while reversing. Many test-takers fail because they can't accurately judge the timing for steering. My instructor taught me a trick: take immediate action when you see the curb stone in the rearview mirror align with a specific position. This exercise is very practical, especially for standard parking spaces like those in mall underground garages. Following the maneuvers practiced in Subject 2 will result in perfect parking.


