Pulling up on the right and reversing

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose a safe place to cross to the right-hand side of the road.
• You can signal and give way to oncoming traffic before crossing.
• You can stop close and parallel to the right-hand kerb.
• You can reverse about two car lengths in a straight line with full observation.
• You can rejoin the road safely, crossing back to the left.

What you need to know and understand

• Pulling up on the right and reversing around two car lengths is one of the three reversing exercises on the current driving test.
• You should give way to oncoming traffic before crossing to the right.
• The Highway Code advises not parking facing against the traffic flow.
• You must not park on a road at night facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.
• Do not stop opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, or where you would block a driveway or dropped kerb.
• Before moving off, check all around, especially your left blind spot, because traffic on your side may be coming towards you and from behind.

Crossing and stopping

1. When the examiner asks, look for a safe, legal place on the right, away from junctions, driveways and parked cars close together.
2. Check your mirrors, including the right door mirror, and signal right.
3. Position just left of the centre of the road and give way to oncoming traffic.
4. When it is safe, cross to the right and stop close to and parallel with the kerb.
5. Secure the car and wait for the next instruction.

Reversing about two car lengths

Check all around, including over both shoulders. Reverse slowly in a straight line, looking mainly through the rear window and using the right door mirror to keep a steady distance from the kerb. Keep looking around for traffic in both directions and for pedestrians.

If a vehicle wants to come past or pull in behind you, stop and let them. Reversing around two car lengths is a guide, so concentrate on control and observation rather than an exact measurement.

Rejoining the traffic

This is the trickiest part. You will be moving off from the wrong side of the road, across traffic travelling in both directions. Your blind spot on the left now hides vehicles approaching on your side of the road from behind you, and your view ahead may be blocked by parked cars.

Check every mirror and both blind spots, signal if it helps, and wait for a gap that is clear both ways. Then move off and cross back to the left smoothly, without cutting across anyone.

Common mistakes

• Crossing in front of oncoming traffic. Give way before you cross.
• Stopping too far from the kerb or at an angle. Approach slowly and aim to finish parallel.
• Reversing without checking for traffic coming towards you on the right side. Look all around.
• Moving off without a left blind-spot check. Traffic on your side of the road could be just behind you.
• Stopping across a driveway or close to a junction. Choose your spot carefully.

Test yourself: Pulling up on the right and reversing

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

Go deeper

• Driving Test Manoeuvres in GB