Reversing a trailer
Reversing a trailer feels strange at first because the trailer turns the opposite way to the way you steer. With a simple method and plenty of slow practice in an open space, most drivers get the hang of it.
Reversing is part of the BE driving test, where you will be asked to reverse from the left or the right, so it is worth practising until you can do it calmly and accurately.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain why the trailer moves the opposite way to the steering.
- You can use the hand-at-the-bottom method to steer the trailer.
- You can make small corrections early to stop a jack-knife.
- You can reverse a trailer in a straight line and around a corner.
- You can use mirrors and a helper safely while reversing.
What you need to know and understand
- When reversing, turning the wheel one way pushes the trailer the other way.
- Holding the bottom of the steering wheel and moving your hand the way you want the trailer to go makes this easier.
- Short trailers react faster than long ones and are often harder to reverse.
- If the angle between car and trailer gets too sharp, it can jack-knife: stop, pull forward to straighten, and try again.
- The BE test includes a reverse from the left or right as well as uncoupling and recoupling.
- Go slowly: clutch control and creeping speed give you time to correct.
The hand-at-the-bottom method
Put one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move that hand to the left and the back of the trailer goes left; move it to the right and the trailer goes right. It turns the confusing opposite-steering into something that feels natural.
Once the trailer starts to turn, you will need to steer back the other way to follow it with the car. Otherwise the angle keeps growing until the trailer jack-knifes.
Reversing round a corner, step by step
- Stop in a safe position with car and trailer straight, a little out from the kerb.
- Check all around, including both mirrors and blind spots, and make sure no one is behind the trailer.
- Move back very slowly in a straight line until the trailer's wheels reach the start of the corner.
- Steer the car away from the kerb a little so the trailer starts to turn towards the corner.
- As the trailer begins to follow the corner, steer back to bring the car in behind it.
- Keep making small, early corrections, watching the trailer in both mirrors.
- If the angle gets too tight or the trailer heads the wrong way, stop, pull forward to straighten up, and start again.
Doing it safely
- Do: practise first in an empty yard or car park with cones.
- Do: use a helper who stands where you can see them in your mirror, never between the car and trailer or directly behind.
- Do: get out and look if you are unsure what is behind you.
- Do not: reverse further than you need to, especially onto a main road.
- Do not: try to fix a large angle by steering harder. Pulling forward is quicker and safer.
Common mistakes
- Steering the way you would without a trailer. Use the hand-at-the-bottom method to steer the trailer, not the car.
- Reversing too fast. Creep back so you have time to correct.
- Making big, late corrections. Small, early steering inputs work best.
- Carrying on when the angle is too sharp. Stop and pull forward before it jack-knifes.
- Watching only one mirror. Check both, as the trailer can drift either way.
Test yourself: Reversing a trailer
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
Loading questions…
Sources: RSA Get qualified: Car and light van with trailer BE, driving test content (rsa.ie); RSA trailer driving test and coupling videos, Light trailers introduction (rsa.ie). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the RSA.