How to reverse into a road on the right

WELCOME BEST DRIVING SKILLS

How to reverse into a road on the

right

This exercise is useful for

turning the car round where

there are no convenient places

on the left or for reversing into

your driveway or into bays in car

parks.

Judging the point of turn in a

right reverse is easier because

you can see the kerb.

A–B: Select a corner where

your manoeuvre will be safe,

legal and convenient. Use the

MSM routine and take up a position as if you were going to turn right. If there are other road users around, you may have to delay your signal, as otherwise they may think you are turning right.

B–C: Wait for any oncoming traffic at the point of turn and look into the road for any obstructions that would make your manoeuvre unsafe.

Steer over to the right and stop a little out from the kerb about two to three car lengths past the corner. Take off your seat belt if you need to.

You may want to open your window to see the kerb.

C–D: Select reverse gear and prepare to move. Remember, you are manoeuvring on the wrong side of the road. You are more vulnerable;

keep looking all around, and respond to others. When you’re sure it’s clear, move slowly back. You should be looking over your left shoulder as you approach the corner, but look round to the right periodically to check your position and judge when to turn.

Just before turning, look all round again, remembering that the front of your car will swing out as you steer right. Look over your right shoulder as you steer, and follow the kerb. How much steering you need will depend on how sharp the corner is.

When you have turned the corner, look over your left shoulder again.

This will help you judge whether or not your car is straight in the new road. You will also be able to see what is happening behind you and to respond to others.

When your car is straight, turn the wheel to the left sufficiently to keep it straight. Remember, any final adjustments should only be slight.

Check your distance from the kerb by using your nearside door mirror.

To complete the exercise, drive far enough into the side road so that

you have room to get back on to the left side of the road to approach the junction properly. This will also allow others to use the junction safely.

The right reverse manoeuvre is particularly useful when driving a

van, because your view to the rear and sides is too restricted to reverse left safely. If the van has no rear windows, you would need to rely more heavily on your side mirrors to look out for others as you manoeuvre.

Just as in the left reverse, you must give priority to other road users when you make this manoeuvre. READ MORE

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