Driving Tips - Reversing
Guidance reviewed: 25 September 2026. Use these prompts with professional instruction and the handbook for the vehicle you drive.
Accelerator
Anticipation
Approaching Junctions
Brake
Clearance
Clutch
Crossing Other Traffic
Crossroads
Emergency Stop
Exterior Mirrors
Gear Lever
Gears
General
Handbrake
Head Restraint
Indicators
Interior Mirror
Making Progress
Meeting Approaching Traffic
Mirrors
Moving Away
Moving Off
Overtaking
Pedestrian Crossings
Reverse Parking
Reversing
Road Positioning
Safe Distance
Safety Routine
Seat
Seat Belts
Signals
Steering
Steering Wheel
Stopping
T-Junctions
The Engine
Turning the Car Around
Practical Driving Test Tips — Reversing
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The car reverses too quickly | The controls are not being used smoothly for that vehicle. | Use a very low, controlled speed and be ready to stop. Ask your instructor for the appropriate manual or automatic technique. |
| You reverse farther than necessary | The route or finishing point was not planned. | Plan the shortest safe movement and remember that you must not reverse farther than necessary. |
| You reverse without a clear all-round view | Observation is limited to mirrors or one direction. | Check all around before and during reversing, look mainly in the direction of travel and stop if you lose sight of a hazard. |