Reversing: in a straight line and round a corner
Looking, slow speed and small corrections in a straight line, then reversing round a corner, close to the kerb all the way. Each step matches the numbers on the pictures, and there is a quiz at the end.
Since December 2017, The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested
, but you should still be taught them by your instructor.
The test's reversing exercise is now one of parallel parking, bay parking or pulling up on the right, and all three start with the skills here. GOV.UK.
Reversing in a straight line
Sit so you can see
Turn your body to the left, left hand at the top of the wheel, and look out of the rear window over your left shoulder. Glance in the mirrors and to the front as well.
Walking pace or slower
Clutch control does it: keep the clutch around the biting point, and cover the brake. The slower you go, the more time you have to correct.
Small corrections
Steer the way you want the back of the car to go: wheel to the left, the back goes left. Small amounts, early.
Watch the kerb
In the left door mirror, keep the kerb at the same place on the glass, and the gap the same.
Reversing round a corner to the left
Pull up past the side road
On the left, close to the kerb, about two car lengths past the corner. Check the side road is clear and not too narrow.
Look all round, then back slowly
Mirrors, both blind spots, then reverse at walking pace, looking mainly out of the back window.
Steer as the kerb curves
In your left door mirror, watch the kerb. As it starts to curve away at the back wheel, steer left to follow it, keeping the same gap.
Keep looking all round
The front of the car swings out into the main road as you turn. Glance forwards and to the right, and stop if anyone is coming.
Straighten up
As the car lines up with the side road, take the steering off, so you are parallel to the kerb.
Straight back, then stop
Reverse straight back a few car lengths, close to the kerb, then stop. Not further than you need.
Round a corner to the right?
Reversing round a right-hand corner means pulling up on the right of the road and reversing on the wrong side, looking over your right shoulder. It is mainly for vans and lorries that cannot see to their left. In a car, reverse round a left corner instead, or drive on and find a better place to turn round.
The rules
Do not reverse from a side road into a main road.
When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can.
(Rule 201.)Look carefully before you start reversing.
Reverse slowly whilechecking all around
,looking mainly through the rear window
andbeing aware that the front of your vehicle will swing out as you turn
.Get someone to guide you if you cannot see clearly.
(Rule 202.)You MUST NOT reverse your vehicle further than necessary.
(Rule 203.)
Reversing quiz
Ready when you are
- 10 questions
- About 3 minutes
- Answers explained
- Nothing saved
Questions people ask
Is reversing round a corner on the driving test?
No. It was taken out on 4 December 2017. The reversing exercise on the test is now one of parallel parking, parking in a bay, or pulling up on the right and reversing about two car lengths.
Which way do I steer when reversing?
Steer the way you want the back of the car to go. Wheel to the left and the back goes left. Keep it slow and the corrections small.
Can I just use the mirrors or the camera?
Use them, but turn and look too. The Highway Code says to reverse looking mainly through the rear window, while checking all around.
What about reversing round a corner to the right?
It puts you on the wrong side of the road, so it is mainly used by vans and lorries that cannot see to their left. In a car, reverse round a left corner, or find somewhere to turn round.
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