Will crossing the line during reverse parking result in point deduction?
4 Answers
Crossing the line during reverse parking results in a 100-point deduction. Other violations that also lead to a 100-point deduction include the vehicle body crossing the line, failing to enter the parking space, stopping midway, not following the designated route, incorrect sequence of driving, and exceeding the time limit. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with evaluation criteria that include failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. The rules for the Subject 2 driving test state that any of the following will result in failure: stopping midway, rolling back, not following voice instructions, or the wheels or vehicle body crossing the line. Many learners encounter the issue of crossing the line during Subject 2 training, and "crossing the line" is the most common reason for failing. The main cause of crossing the line is not mastering the correct timing for steering. Besides missing the right moment to steer, another reason could be the steering speed not matching the vehicle speed. Subject 2 point deduction standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: 100-point deduction. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: 100-point deduction. Not using the turn signal (including when starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking); using the turn signal for less than three seconds (note this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off the turn signal or using it incorrectly: 10-point deduction. Stalling once: 10-point deduction. Reverse parking: Not following the designated route sequence: 100-point deduction. Vehicle body crossing the line: 100-point deduction. Failing to park properly: 100-point deduction. Before reversing, if both front wheels do not pass the control line: 100-point deduction. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5-point deduction each time. Slope parking and starting: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm: 10-point deduction. After stopping, if starting takes more than 30 seconds: 100-point deduction. Wheels crossing the road edge line while driving: 100-point deduction. Rolling back more than 30 cm when starting: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not tightening the parking brake after stopping: 10-point deduction each time. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 30 cm but not exceeding 50 cm from the road edge line: 10-point deduction each time. Rolling back more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm when starting: 5-point deduction each time. Parallel parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal when parking: 10-point deduction. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Touching the parking space edge line while driving: 10-point deduction each time. Wheels touching the lane edge line while driving: 10-point deduction each time. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5-point deduction each time. 90-degree turn: Wheels crossing the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal when turning, or not turning off the turn signal after turning: 10-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5-point deduction each time. Curve driving: Wheels crossing the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 100-point deduction. Not driving in second gear or higher: 5-point deduction.
Backing up over the line will definitely result in point deduction. I learned this the hard way during my driving school training. The instructor said that during the test, if any wheel touches the solid line while reversing into or exiting the parking space, the monitoring system will immediately judge it as a failure without any chance for explanation. When practicing, I was extra careful—I always checked the rearview mirror to confirm the tire position before exiting, preferring to go slower rather than risk crossing the line. Actually, crossing the line mostly happens because the steering wheel is turned too early or the speed isn’t controlled properly, especially when the rear of the car is still inside the space and you rush to turn. It’s advisable to have the instructor guide you on key reference points during practice to find the right timing for steering and avoid crossing the line. Additionally, the markings on the test site might differ from those in the training area, so familiarizing yourself with them beforehand is also crucial.
Backing over the line is something that must be taken seriously. When I was taking the Subject 2 driving test, I specifically studied the scoring criteria—the system automatically deducts 100 points if the tires touch the edge lines of the parking space or the yellow boundary lines on the field. The examiner told me that the most common mistake is turning the steering wheel too sharply when exiting the parking space, causing the rear wheels to press against the corner line. Even though I’ve had my driver’s license for years now, I still habitually check the distance between the tires and the lines in the rearview mirror when backing out of a parking space. I recommend that beginners focus on practicing the coordination between speed control and steering wheel movements—pause and observe after turning the wheel half a rotation to make the tire trajectory more predictable. Additionally, exiting the parking space with the car body straight is safer than at an angle, as it reduces the risk of crossing the line.
Points deduction for crossing the line is clearly defined. I accompanied my friend for three attempts at Subject 2 (parking test) and witnessed two failures due to line crossing. The exam rules state that any wheel touching the solid line of the parking area immediately results in disqualification, whether during reversing or exiting. Special attention should be paid to the right rear wheel potentially crossing the corner line when exiting left, as it's a major blind spot. During practice, adjusting the seat to its highest position helps better observe the distance between tires and lines. Additionally, wet pavement increases the risk of line crossing, requiring slower and steadier movements during rainy exams. While crossing lines isn't a big deal in daily driving, strict adherence to standards is mandatory during tests.
