Reverse around a corner

Read-aloud uses AI-generated voices when recordings are available.

6 Look all round, go slowly, keep close to the kerb

Why it matters

The RSA names a weak reverse among the most common reasons people fail. Every car test has one.

The RSA names a lack of skill in the reverse and turnabout among the most common reasons people fail. It publishes no number for them.
Source: RSA: 'Repeating your test': why candidates are unsuccessful · Published: undated web page

Look all round before you start and while you reverse, mostly through the back window. Mirrors alone are not enough.
Go slowly. Stay close to the kerb without touching it, then keep going straight for about 3 car lengths.
If anyone comes, stop and let them pass. Making another road user slow down or stop counts as a fault.

Source: RSA marking guide for testers, page 18