Reversing

Reversing is not as difficult to master as you might think it just needs practice for you to become confident at it. Start at reversing in a straight line, then go on to reversing around corners and more complicated manoeuvres.

Your vehicle will respond differently in reverse gear. You can’t feel the car turning with the steering as you would in forward gears, and you have to wait for steering to take effect.

The secret is to ensure the vehicle moves slowly enough. This way the steering movements will have the greatest effect.

Avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationery(dry steering). It could cause damage to the tyres and increased wear in steering linkages.

• Remember which way the wheels are facing.
• Turn the steering wheel the way you want the rear of the vehicle to turn.

Seat Belt:

Turn slightly in your seat. You may remove your seat belt while carrying out a manoeuvre which involves reversing. Don’t forget to refasten it before driving off.

Steering:

When to begin steering?

In reverse, it’s often helpful to begin turning or straightening up sooner than seems necessary.

Remember reverse slowly and you’ll have time for:

• Unhurried control of the vehicle.
• Checks to the front, side and rear.

What to check:

All-round observation is just as important when you’re reversing as it is when you’re going forward.

• Check for other traffic before you reverse.
• Check to the rear, particularly for children playing behind the vehicle.
• Check all round- forwards, behind, over both shoulders and in all directions. (Do this before you reverse).
• If in doubt get out and check.
• Keep checking all the time when you’re moving backwards, particularly behind you and to the sides and especially at the point of turn.

Always be ready to stop.