Reversing

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check all around the car before reversing.
• You can reverse in a straight line at a slow, steady speed.
• You can reverse around a corner or into a driveway with full observation.
• You can use cameras and sensors as aids without relying on them.

What you need to know and understand

• You must not reverse unless it is safe, and not for a greater distance than reasonable.
• You must not reverse on a motorway or freeway. If you miss an exit, carry on to the next one.
• Small children can be hidden in the blind spot behind any vehicle. Walk around the car first if children could be nearby.
• Look mainly through the rear window in the direction you are travelling, and check mirrors and over both shoulders.
• In NSW, only full licence holders are exempt from wearing a seatbelt while reversing. Learners and P platers must stay belted.
• Reversing cameras and sensors help, but they do not show everything. They do not replace looking.

Setting up and checking

1. Before getting in, look around the car, especially in driveways where children or pets may be.
2. Adjust your seat and mirrors so you can turn comfortably and see clearly.
3. Keep your seatbelt on. Turn your body so you can see out of the rear window; you may place your left hand on the back of the passenger seat if it helps you turn, keeping your right hand on the wheel.
4. Check all around: mirrors, both blind spots and the front of the car, which swings out as you turn.
5. Select reverse and look again before moving.

Controlling the car

Move very slowly. In a manual, control your speed with the clutch; in an automatic, use light pressure on the brake to keep the car creeping. If your view is blocked or something moves into your path, stop.

To reverse in a straight line, keep small, steady steering movements. When reversing, the back of the car goes the way you turn the wheel: turn right and the rear goes right. Keep looking mostly where you are going, with quick checks to the front and sides.

Driveways and corners

Reversing out of a driveway is high risk because pedestrians on the footpath have priority and may appear suddenly. Edge out slowly and give way to people on the footpath and to traffic on the road. Where possible, reverse into a driveway or parking space so you can drive out forwards with a clear view.

When reversing around a corner, begin steering as the back of the car reaches the start of the curve, follow the kerb at a steady distance, and look out for traffic that may appear from either direction.

Common mistakes

• Relying only on the camera. It has limited view and can be dirty or blurred; look over your shoulders too.
• Reversing too fast. Keep it to a slow walking pace or slower.
• Forgetting the front of the car swings out when you turn. Check the front corners.
• Reversing a long way when you could turn around another way. Only reverse as far as needed.
• Not checking again after a pause. Things change quickly behind you.

Test yourself: Reversing

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.