Why is the reference point different every time when reversing into the parking space?
2 Answers
The reasons for different reference points each time when reversing into the parking space are as follows: 1. The driver's seat is not carefully adjusted: The reference points in the subject two test items vary from person to person, as each trainee has different height and body proportions. This leads to differences in viewing angles and perspectives when trainees observe the reference points. 2. The vehicle body is not properly aligned before starting: Before right-side reversing, trainees need to drive the front wheels past the control line and stop, ensuring the vehicle body is parallel to the sideline when parking. 3. Inconsistent speed and steering wheel operation speed: When trainees drive faster but turn the steering wheel slower, the vehicle may not turn sufficiently and often hits the left corner of the parking space. Conversely, if trainees drive slower but turn the steering wheel faster, the vehicle may stop midway due to high resistance and weak power.
Over the years as a driving coach, I've found that 80% of misaligned reference points stem from students' inconsistent movements. Steering wheel hand speed fluctuates—sometimes turning fully three rotations, other times leaving gaps. During reversing, clutch control is unstable, causing inconsistent speed. Heads sway left and right with poor sitting posture, distorting the rearview mirror view. Worst of all, mirrors aren't adjusted properly—you must memorize the door handle position in the mirror each time. Remember the three pre-driving checks: seat height adjusted to one fist above your head, seatback at 90 degrees, and rear wheels visible in mirrors. Neglecting these makes accurate reference points impossible. I recommend standardizing mirror/seat adjustments and wearing flat shoes for steadier clutch control.
