Driving skills syllabus

6   Reversing in a straight line

Aim

• To legally and safely reverse the vehicle in a straight line for 20 metres.

Situation

• In a 50 km/h zone, on a straight, flat road with light traffic flow.

The driver should

• Choose a safe and appropriate place to stop and carry out the manoeuvre.
• Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
• Indicate left for at least three seconds before starting to move left.
• Position the vehicle next to the kerb.
• Hold down the brake pedal while putting the handbrake/park brake on.
• Hold down the brake pedal while putting the vehicle in reverse gear.
• Check mirrors and blind spots for hazards.
• Turn to look over left shoulder through rear window in the direction the vehicle will travel in.
• Slowly release the handbrake/park brake.
• Press down on the accelerator slightly with right foot and slowly release the clutch pedal.
• Slowly reverse in a straight line for 20 metres, while continuing to look through the rear window.
• Smoothly bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
• Put the car in neutral (manual) or park (automatic), put the handbrake/park brake on and switch off the engine.

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Last updated: 30 April 2009