All reversing must be done at a crawl or slow walking speed. Before reversing, look behind the vehicle and only drive in reverse when your path is clear of traffic, pedestrians and obstacles. Before reversing out of a driveway, walk around the vehicle and check for possible dangers behind the vehicle.

To reverse in a straight line, do the following:

  • Place your left hand at the top of the steering wheel and shift slightly onto your right hip. For support, place your right hand on the back of the passenger seat.
  • Look over your right shoulder through the rear window. Reverse slowly while covering your brake pedal.
  • Glance to the front to be sure that the front of the vehicle does not contact anything.
  • To correct your steering, turn the steering wheel no more than a quarter turn in the same direction that you want the rear of your vehicle to go.

When reversing to the left or right, do the following:

  • Use both hands on the steering wheel at about 9 and 3 o'clock if you need to turn more than one-half turn.
  • To reverse to the left, look over your left shoulder with frequent glances to the front.
  • To reverse to the right, look over your right shoulder with frequent glances to the front.
  • Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to go.

Remember: The front of the vehicle will move in the opposite direction from the direction the rear of the vehicle is moving.

Other tips for reversing

  • When reversing out of a driveway, steer your vehicle into the nearest traffic lane and then go forward. Do not reverse into a second traffic lane.
  • It is illegal to move your vehicle in reverse into an intersection or a crosswalk.

If you see white reverse lights on a vehicle, be aware that it may move backwards. These lights show that the vehicle is in reverse gear.