“In order to maintain a straight line, your first task is to keep the speed down to a slow walking pace. This will allow plenty of time for minor steering corrections. Use clutch control on the level or uphill, and foot brake control with clutch down if reversing downhill. It will help to look well back into the space you are reversing into, in the same way that you look well ahead when driving forwards.
If you are reversing on a road, it can help to focus on a parked vehicle behind. Where there is a kerb, some drivers find it useful to use it as a reference point by lining it up with a fix spot on the rear screen. This can help you to keep a constant distance away from the kerb. However, looking at the kerb alone will not be enough. You need to look well back along the road for spatial awareness and to ensure the road is clear.
The key points are:
– Keep a slow walking pace
– Use clutch control or foot brake control
– Look well back when reversing
– The kerb can be a useful guide
– But you also need to look well back to check the traffic and to keep spatial awareness”
