Reversing and parking

Reversing is one of the most common maneuvers you perform in everyday life, but also a situation with a high risk of accidents. Good technique and systematic observation are the keys to safe parking.

Basic rules for reversing

• You have right of way for all traffic when reversing
• Check all mirrors and turn your head to cover the blind spot
• Use low speed and be ready to stop immediately
• Avoid reversing over long distances when there are alternatives

Parking types

Parallel parking step by step

1. Drive up next to the car in front with about 0.5 m clearance
2. Turn the wheel fully toward the curb and reverse slowly
3. When the car is at about a 45-degree angle, straighten the wheel
4. Turn the wheel away from the curb to straighten the car
5. Adjust so that you are a maximum of 25 cm from the curb

Maintain good distance from other vehicles both in front and behind so everyone can get out again.

Common mistakes on the theory test

• Forgetting the blind spot: Mirrors do not cover everything. Turn your head before reversing.
• Too high speed: Always reverse at walking pace.
• Missing signals: Use turn signals when turning into or out of a parking space.
• Ignoring pedestrians: Pay special attention to children and pedestrians at crosswalks .

Correct seating position while reversing

A good seating position gives you better control of the steering wheel and pedals. When reversing, you can turn your upper body, but keep one hand on the wheel.

Further reading

• Distance and positioning
• Using turn signals
• Crosswalks and pedestrians
• Steering wheel and seating position