How To Reverse Around A Corner

Instructions

REVERSE AROUND A CORNER TO THE LEFT

1. After the examiner has told you what they want you to do, drive on past the road into which you will be reversing. Pull up a couple of car's lengths from the corner and about one drain's width (approx 2 feet) away from the kerb. As you go past the side road, quickly assess it so that you know what to expect - what type of corner/how sharp is the turn, are there any obstructions or children playing in the road etc. Handbrake on, gear lever into neutral & make sure your indicators are switched off.

2. Full observation all round. If clear, select reverse gear and start to reverse. No signals are needed.

3. Looking mainly over your left shoulder, through the rear windscreen, reverse slowly back to where the back wheels of the car are approximately in line with the point where the kerb starts to bend (this is known as the turning point).

4. The front of the car will swing out when you start your turn, so at this point you MUST take thorough observations by checking for traffic both ways and for pedestrians behind - don't forget to check your blind spot as well.

5. If clear, keep moving backwards slowly and turn the wheel between one half and three quarters of a turn (180 to 270 degrees). The amount of steering required will depends on how sharp the corner is

6. Reverse for approximately one car's length looking only out of the rear windscreen.

7. Glance in the left door mirror to check your position relative to the kerb - if you are getting significantly closer to the kerb, turn the wheel one quarter of a turn to the right. If you are getting significantly further away from the kerb, turn the wheel one quarter of a turn to the left. If your distance from the kerb appears to be largely unchanged, do not adjust the wheel. Keep checking all around as you complete the manoeuvre (including your blind spot), especially for anyone coming around the corner as you turn.

8. Keep looking well down the road through the middle of the rear window. This will help you judge whether the car is parallel with the kerb. When the position of the kerb reaches the middle of the rear windscreen, straighten the wheel and reverse for 2 to 3 car lengths from the junction before stopping. Handbrake on & gear lever into neutral and wait for further instructions from the examiner.

See below for instructions on how to reverse around a corner to the right