Which line should be aligned with when reversing into the parking space?
3 Answers
When reversing into the parking space, align with the white border line. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviation for the field driving skill test subject. The test items for small cars C1 and C2 include five mandatory tests: reversing into the parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving in curves (commonly known as S-curves). Below are the precautions for the Subject 2 test: Fasten the seat belt: Fasten the seat belt immediately after getting into the car. Remember not to buckle the seat belt backward or to the co-pilot's side, otherwise the system will directly judge the test as unqualified. Do not unfasten the seat belt at will during the entire test. Adjust the seat, etc.: After getting into the car, adjust the seat, adjust the rearview mirror, fasten the seat belt, turn on the left turn signal, engage the first gear, and release the handbrake. These six items are indispensable. Make sure all preparations are completed before starting. No stopping during the process: There is no time limit for reversing into the parking space, but it should be noted that stopping during the reversing process is not allowed. If the wheels are stationary for 3 seconds, the system will judge it as stopping midway. Therefore, controlling the speed is crucial. The time for starting on the slope is 30 seconds: The time for starting on the slope is 30 seconds, and the system will give a voice prompt every 10 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds will directly result in disqualification.
When I first learned to drive, parallel parking was a huge challenge—I could never figure out which line to align with when entering the spot. My instructor always taught me to align the car body parallel to the solid yellow line at the garage entrance and stop, as this helps the car enter the parking space steadily. After a few tries, I realized that if the alignment was off, the car would tilt, making it easy to run over the line or scrape the wall during reversing, which led to frequent point deductions during the test. Later, I found that it’s best to slowly drive into position first, adjust by checking the side mirrors until the yellow line aligns neatly with the car’s side. I recommend beginners practice more in empty parking lots—don’t rush into reversing; align properly before turning the steering wheel for a safer and smoother experience. Now, I instinctively look for that line every time I park—it’s such a helpful guide.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I usually align my car with the horizontal line or dashed line at the bottom of the garage when reversing into a parking space. This line helps position the vehicle correctly and prevents misalignment when entering or exiting. Here's a handy trick I often use in urban parking lots: slowly approach the entrance, align the side of the car with that horizontal reference line, then stop and easily turn the steering wheel to reverse in. Why choose this line? Because garage designs intentionally use it as a reference point for alignment—missing it often leads to crossing lines or misparking. I recommend practicing with this line regularly to build a habit that saves time and effort. In dimly lit parking areas, remember to turn on your headlights to clearly see the lines.
