How To Master Reversing A Car

So you have a few driving lessons under your belt and your instructor is slowly building you up to more complex manoeuvres. You’ve gotten used to steering and changing gears, so now it’s time to test yourself going backwards.

For many learner drivers this can be a worrying experience. Some feel as though they are not in full control of the car when they are reversing, whereas others get anxious about proper observations. However, it is a skill you will need to master if you are to pass your driving test, so keep these tips in mind to make the process a little easier.

Slow Down

One of the key mistakes people make when they first start reversing a car is trying to take the process too quickly. Your observations and ensuring you execute the reversal safely are far more important than getting it down quickly, so don’t rush yourself or feel pressured to get it done. Instead, take your time, focus on gear changes and edge backwards while keeping the car under control. The car shouldn’t really need to exceed 5mph when you are reversing.

Don’t Only Use Mirrors

Another common mistake is only using your mirrors when reversing. While they ae certainly important, particularly if you are reversing around a corner, they don’t cover everything so there is the possibility that you will get into an issue if you focus solely on them. Make sure you switch your observation regularly between looking out of the back window, checking the mirrors and checking your blind spot. Keep switching between the three so you get the most comprehensive view of what’s going on around your car, allowing you to reverse safely.

Keep Control

We reiterate that you don’t need to reverse at speed and this goes from the moment you make the decision to back up. Stop the car and place your foot on the brake pedal as you switch into reverse. This will allow you to quickly stop the car if it starts rolling backwards, which is essential if you are reversing on an incline.

Grip The Wheel

You should maintain a constant grip on the wheel when you are reversing, as you may end up swerving slightly if you don’t. Remember that each road has a slight camber that may affect the car, so you will need to account for this with your steering. Losing grip of the wheel means you lose control of the car, which is the worst situation to be in with reversing. You should develop your skills in this when your driving instructor introduces you to your manoeuvres.

Check The Gear

Once your have finished reversing one of the first things you need to do is place the car in neutral gear, or first if it is on an incline. Failing to do this will lead to the car being in reverse when you pull off again. While it is likely you will catch this before it happens, there is a possibility that you won’t and it is always better to be safe than sorry.