Driving backwards is difficult for both ordinary and experienced drivers. When driving backwards, the steering wheel is in front of you while the car is moving backwards. In addition, sometimes the view behind the car is also blocked so that sometimes people have difficulty driving backwards. By driving slowly and being aware of your surroundings, your reverse driving skills will improve..
Step
Method 1 of 3: Driving Backwards in a Straight Line
Step 1. Check the car's surroundings
Check the surroundings of your car by actively turning your head around the car until you don't miss anything. Make sure nothing is in the way and move into the lane behind you before reversing the car.
- Feel free to use both rearview mirrors to help check, but make sure you look around actively so you don't miss anything.
- Make sure you're looking at the ground on both sides of the vehicle by turning your head and using the rearview mirror to make sure no people or animals are blocking your path.
Step 2. Place your right foot on the brake pedal
When driving forwards or backwards, only the right foot should step on the brake or gas pedal. If your car is a manual transmission, the left foot must be ready in the clutch. In automatic transmission, the left foot is not used. Press the brake pedal firmly with your right foot so that the car does not move after being put into reverse gear.
- The brake pedal is the pedal in the middle of a manual transmission. In automatic transition, the brake pedal is the pedal on the left.
- The brake pedal is the widest pedal.
Step 3. Place your right hand on the top half of the steering wheel
While it's usually recommended that you place your hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, reverse driving requires you to turn your body backwards. Place your right hand in the middle of the top of the steering wheel so that the steering wheel can be adjusted easily to keep the car going straight when going backwards.
You can only drive with one hand because it is difficult to reach the steering wheel with your left hand while turning your body
Step 4. Insert reverse gear
Depending on the vehicle's transmission used, there are several ways to get into reverse gear. In automatic transmissions, you usually have to press the button on the clutch lever and pull it back until it's in line with the letter "R". In a manual transmission car equipped with a five-speed transmission, usually the clutch lever must be pulled to the far right, then pulled back.
- On vehicles that have six speed gears, the reverse gear is usually at the lower right end, next to the sixth gear.
- Some cars require you to press the clutch lever or press release to access reverse gear.
- If you're still unsure how to get into reverse gear, read your vehicle's user manual.
Step 5. Look behind the car to see through the rear window of the car
Assuming your rear view is unobstructed, turn your body so that you can see the rear window of the car. You must not take your foot off the brake pedal yet. If you're driving a box truck or other vehicle that doesn't have a rear window, you're forced to rely on both rearview mirrors to look behind you.
- You can place your left hand on the seat next to the driver so you can look behind you more comfortably.
- If you rely on both rearview mirrors, be sure to check them often.
Step 6. Slowly lift your right foot off the brake pedal
When the right foot is raised to release pressure on the brake pedal, the vehicle will start to move backwards. Most vehicle engines have RPM (revolutions per minute) when stopped so you can reverse the car without having to hit the gas.
- Release the pressure on the brake pedal slowly so that the vehicle is easy to steer and does not jump quickly.
- Press the brake pedal again to slow down the vehicle while moving backwards.
- If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you will need to step on the gas when releasing the clutch. If it is released, the clutch pedal may not be stepped on.
Method 2 of 3: Turn while Backing
Step 1. Turn your steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go
The dynamics of driving backwards is quite different from regular driving because the wheels that work when turning the steering wheel are in front of the car. When going backwards, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go.
- If the steering wheel is turned to the left while reversing, the car will turn left, and vice versa.
- Stop the car if you are still unsure which direction to go. Backtrack once you've regained good control of the car..
Step 2. Check the front of your car
When turning the vehicle, the front of the car will swing in the opposite direction to the rear end. Check the area in front of the car as often as possible while backing slowly to make sure the front of the car doesn't hit or run over anything.
- If you turn left while reversing, the front of the car will swing to the right, and vice versa.
- Make sure you back away slowly so that you have time to check the front of the car. Thus, you can prevent collisions.
Step 3. Shift your right foot to the gas pedal, if needed
If you're backing up an incline or need to make a turn while backing off, you may need to step on the gas from time to time as you backtrack. After fully lifting off the brake pedal, move your right foot to the gas pedal (to the right of the brake pedal). Step on the pedal slowly to control the speed when going backwards.
- Adjust your speed little by little by pressing the gas pedal.
- Return your foot to the brake pedal when you have reached the required speed or you need to slow down.
Step 4. Steer the car with both hands when turning
If you need to get around an obstacle while backwards, it's a good idea to use both hands to steer. Usually, the steering wheel can only be rotated 90 degrees if you only use one hand. So if you need to turn the wheel more, use both hands. Make sure you can still look back while holding the steering wheel with both hands if needed.
Never cross your arms while turning the steering wheel. Use one hand to push the steering wheel and the other to pull it
Step 5. Never regress so quickly that it is out of control
Driving backwards feels different than driving forward, and your view is blocked by the rear of the car and limited by the size of the rear window. Don't rush back and drive as calmly as possible to prevent accidents.
- Never drive recklessly.
- Please stop the car and think if you are in doubt what to do.
Step 6. Press the brake pedal steadily with your right foot to stop
When you've retreated far enough. Gradually step on the brake pedal with your right foot so that the car stops smoothly. Do not apply the brakes too fast because the car will jerk when it stops.
- Use your right foot to apply the brakes of your car.
- Keep your feet on the brakes when the car has stopped.
Step 7. Park the vehicle or apply the handbrake when you are finished
With your foot still on the brake pedal, press the button on the clutch lever (for automatic transmission) and push forward until it is in line with the letter “P” which means “park”. For manual transmissions, you can simply downshift (the clutch lever doesn't go into any gear) and apply the handbrake by pulling the brake handle or pressing the pedal.
If you don't know where and how to apply the parking brake, consult a car manual
Method 3 of 3: Reversing the Car Using the Rearview Mirror
Step 1. Check both of your rearview mirrors before starting
If the view behind the car is blocked, you can only rely on the two rearview mirrors. Before you begin, adjust your rearview mirrors so you can see the sides of the car, the ground, and whatever is coming from behind you.
Most cars now have a second dial for the rearview mirror so you can adjust it from the driver's seat. Otherwise, you will be forced to manually set it yourself
Step 2. Check the mirror often
The mirror will only show what is behind both sides of the car. So, the rearview mirror should be checked frequently so that you don't hit something or someone that appears from one side of the car.
- You'll need to drive backwards more slowly when relying solely on the two rearview mirrors. That way, you won't miss anything.
- You should pay more attention to the rearview mirror on the side that has the obstacle so that you can keep an eye on it.
Step 3. Ask a friend for help
If you back the car relying solely on the rearview mirror in a difficult area, you should ask a friend for help. Use the rearview mirror to keep an eye on friends checking your back lane from behind. This is the best method, especially when driving a box truck or having items in the car blocking your view of the rear window.
- Have your friend stand behind one side of the car so you can see it in the rearview mirror.
- Turn off the radio and open a window so you can hear your friend's voice.
