Will Points Be Deducted for Parking at an Angle in Reverse?
3 Answers
Parking at an angle in reverse will not result in point deductions as long as the vehicle body does not cross the lines. Below are relevant precautions for the reverse parking test in Subject 2 of the driving exam: 1. Starting Point: When driving to the starting position, ensure the vehicle body is at the correct distance from the line. The body should cover the white line at the front right of the parking space but not exceed it. 2. Reversing: While reversing, accurately align with the reference points, turn the steering wheel fully, and use the rearview mirror to align with the parking space markers. 3. Entering the Parking Space: Once the vehicle enters the parking space, straighten the wheels and avoid turning left or right; do not reverse too far—stop immediately upon entering. 4. Exiting Left: When exiting left, monitor the distance between the left side of the vehicle and the parking space lines, adjusting the steering wheel as needed; ensure the vehicle reaches the designated position before stopping. 5. Five Prohibitions: Throughout the process, do not stop, roll back, shift gears incorrectly, stall the engine, or cross the lines.
I just passed my driving test recently, and having the car tilted during the reverse parking maneuver is a common point deduction. The exam rules clearly state that the vehicle must be parallel to the parking space and the wheels must not cross the lines. If the car is tilted, it is considered either not fully parked or not parallel, usually resulting in a 5-10 point deduction. For example, if the wheels don’t cross the lines but the car body is crooked, the examiner may judge it as misaligned and deduct points. During practice, my instructor often reminded me of this, suggesting to find reference points outside the parking space and reverse slowly, making slight steering adjustments without turning too sharply. Remember, although the test time is short, safety comes first—developing the habit of using rearview mirrors to check distances can reduce mistakes. In real-life parking, a tilted car can easily lead to scratches or collisions, so beginners should practice reversing and aligning repeatedly in open spaces to minimize exam errors.
Having driven for many years, I've seen numerous beginners lose points due to their car being tilted while reversing into a parking space. During driving tests, this is usually a point deduction because an uneven vehicle alignment indicates poor power control and insufficient skills. For instance, test standards often list a tilted car body as a 5-point deduction or more. However, in real-life driving, I care more about parking safely within the lines without crossing them. While a tilted parking job might not always result in point deductions, it does increase the risk of scratches. From my experience, mastering basic point-to-point techniques, staying calm, and focusing on aligning with the parking space lines during the test can help avoid this issue. I recommend new drivers practice reversing in open areas, using parking lot lines as references and making repeated adjustments.
