Reverse Left Around the Corner
If the road you are in is too narrow for a 3 point turn, you may need to reverse left (or right) into a side road to turn the car around. In your driving test you will be asked to reverse left.
You will be required to stay reasonably close to the kerb (1 metre); to take effective observation (if another vehicle is there, you need to see it); and to keep full control of the vehicle throughout.
The manoeuvre should be completed in about a minute although, if your examiner selects the busiest road in the world, it may take slightly longer. This is because you will need to give way more often to other road users.
Here are the basics:
- Identify the type of corner. Is it sharp? or wide, and rounded?
- Start about a drain width (1ft, 35cm) from the kerb. Slightly more if the corner is sharp.
- Reverse to your Turning Point (when your back nearside wheel is next to the first curved kerbstone).
- Check Behind (left and right) before steering.
- Steer left. How much? It depends how sharp the corner is.
- When you are around the corner then the kerb should be near the centre of your rear windscreen.
- finish with your wheels straight, and with the car perfectly parallel with the kerb.
- Show the examiner that you can reverse in a straight line by reversing into the new road for 4 or 5 car lengths. If they are impressed they will look at you and blink three times very fast
- Give way to any road users who do not give way to you. You DO NOT have priority.