Reversing to the right
Spend between 25 and 45 minutes practising this manoeuvre.
Quiet suburban roads, or off road areas, are ideal for reversing manoeuvres. It is probably easiest to start with 'round' corners, however, you need to gain experience of both square and round corners.
It is generally best to avoid crossroads. Crossroads present an unnecessarily high risk level and the consequent high task demand with regard to observation.
Interestingly, although It should never be necessary for drivers to reverse at crossroads, the UK Driving Standards Agency, in their wisdom occasionally use crossroads for this manoeuvre during tests.
If you are doing a DSA ADI Part-Two test, 'L' test, extended driving test or taxi test, etc., simply accept this and take care.
If you are doing any other advanced test, explain to the examiner that although you are perfectly capable of doing the manoeuvre anywhere at all, you would prefer a safer location.
When you are easily able to meet the accuracy targets move on to a slightly busier location so that you are 'forced' to keep a good look out for other road users.
With proper observation and accuracy
Position 1:
Make sure that you complete the normal safely checks before moving off. This might seem obvious, however, when focusing on the reverse manoeuvre during advanced driving tests it's the obvious things that get overlooked!
Position 2:
Check that you check the target road.
Is there sufficient space to reverse into?
Will it be safe to complete the manoeuvre?
After making this check, begin your MSM routine in order to stop safely at 'position 3'.
Take special care when crossing to the right-hand side of the road. Others might think that you are turning right into the side road. Consider your signal timing and whether an arm signal might be beneficial.
Position 3:
The car should stop approximately 18 inches (45cm) from the kerb.Ensure that you make full observation checks to see if the road is clear before starting to reverse, especially the left and right blind-spots. Also bear in mind that you must be looking back (behind the car) before the car starts moving backwards.
For the straight parts of the reverse, look back over your left shoulder; this will enable easy glances to the front and enable a clear view to the rear for other traffic.
Position 4:
It will be easier to gauge your position if you look over your right shoulder (at the kerb) as you start to steer around the corner. Make sure that you look to the front before starting to steer because the front of the car will 'swing out' and may affect other traffic – be prepared to give way, even on a wide road.Position 5:
By switching back to left shoulder observation and making frequent checks all around at Position 5 you will be covering the key 'danger' areas as you reverse.Reverse well back along the new road, about five/six car lengths. This will enable you to safely return to the left-hand side without interfering with traffic turning at the junction.
