In the latest episode of the Driving Instructor Masterclass, we're taking a look at the manoeuvre - pull up on the right and reverse!
Pulling up on the right and reversing
This manoeuvre involves driving and parking against the flow of traffic. Although the Highway Code does not recommend this, you may need to pull up on the right-hand side of the road at some point. Whether it’s popping into the shop, or if you live on the right side of the road, you will need to know how to do it.
The examiner is looking for 3 different skills when you perform this manoeuvre:
- Control – slow and steady does it!
- Accuracy – make sure you have good road position
- Observation – Don’t forget your routine - Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre or Look Tell Do!
When your examiner asks you to perform the manoeuvre, you will be asked to pull up on the right when it is safe to do so. The examiner will have chosen a specific location for you to do this manoeuvre and will make sure that you have no restrictions in your way, such as not enough space, or double yellow lines.
If you can, you should try to avoid
- Parking directly behind another vehicle
- Pulling up too close to a junction or opposite a junction
- Stopping directly across a driveway
- Stopping directly opposite a vehicle that is parked on the left
Step by step – pulling over to the right
- Locate the ideal place to pull over
- Mirror check, blind stop, signal
- Leave a good distance from when you start the manoeuvre to where you want to pull up, around 8 car lengths should do it!
- Make your way over to the right, using a shallow angle. If you turn into the road too much, you have a higher risk of hitting the kerb!
- Stop around 20cm-30cm away from the kerb.
- Your next step in the manoeuvre is reversing, so make this easier for yourself by stopping in line with the kerb and stopping with your wheels straight.
- Cancel your signal and if you’re on a slope, put your handbrake on.
Now your examiner will ask you to reverse 2 car lengths. If you have managed to stop in a straight line, parallel to the kerb then this will be a breeze! Take a breath before continuing
Step by step – reversing and pulling off
- Select the reverse gear.
- Keep your eyes peeled. The same routine applies when you’re reversing. If there are vehicles or pedestrians around, wait for them to pass before starting.
- Check all your mirrors and start reversing when you are looking out of the back window.
- Keep your speed at walking pace – there is probably no need for any gas when reversing.
- Once you have reversed enough or your examiner tells you to stop, put the handbrake on and go into neutral.
And you’re done!
Well, until the second manoeuvre of course. Now all you need to do is pull away, using the same old routine. Check your blind stops, select first gear and if it’s clear to go, you can go.