How to do Reverse Round the Corner
Find out more about changes to the practical driving test
The new addition to the driving test and has replaced the reversing around a corner and turn in the road (3 point turn):-
On your Driving Test you may be asked to Pull up on the right and reverse
Using reverse gear is difficult for new drivers.
The car steers
differently, the front wheels become, in effect, the rear ones. When you drive forward you can see the car
turning when you steer. In reverse, you have to wait for the steering to take effect.
You are expected to reverse:-
Safely
Correctly
Smoothly
Under control
Keeping reasonably close to the kerb
Without mounting or hitting the kerb
Without swinging out too wide.
Also :-
Check traffic and road conditions
Look out for traffic and pedestrians
Stop in a safe position.
Sequence for reversing to the left
A
On the approach, draw up to the kerb on the left. Cancel your indicator. Note any obstructions and the type of corner.( The corner shown is a sharp left angle turn - some corners are wide with very long turns, semi-sharp). Move off following the MSM procedure, remember to look over your right shoulder! Do you need to indicate? Drive to the point beyond the junction at B.
B
Draw up about 0.5 metres from the kerb and about 2 car lengths past the junction. If you used your indicators make sure they have cancelled. You are allowed to take your seat belt off at this point if you find it makes it easier for you to turn around to see out of the rear window. Carry out a visual check all round. If clear, engage reverse gear and move off very slowly. DO NOT use any signals.
C
Looking in the rear window by looking over your left shoulder, you will see the kerb disappear behind the car pillar and
start to appear in the rear side window. At this point turn the steering wheel fully to the left ( This is a sharp corner remember).
The front of the car will swing out, so check for traffic both ways and for pedestrians behind, continue very slow if clear. If a vehicle comes down the road you are reversing round, STOP. If the vehicle continues with its journey than wait until they pass and you can then carry on.
If the vehicle stops behind you, then you are causing an obstruction so you will have to engage first gear and move back to B
where you can start the process again.
Straighten up when looking out of your rear window and checking that the car is running parallel to the kerb. Watch in front as well, if someone comes around that corner and you do not notice, you will certainly fail your test. If someone is coming STOP. Continue when they have passed by. Keep a clearance of a few centimetres from the kerb. Stop on the examiner's instruction.
E
Engage your handbrake and neutral. Put your seat belt back on. Wait for the examiners next instruction
Remember, perfection is not expected. Do not assume that you have failed if
you think it is not perfect. What you regard as an error may actually be
extremely trivial, and not marked at all.
Practice makes perfect, so get plenty of practice from a Approved Driving Instructor
How to Do Parallel Parking - Reverse Parking