It’s okay to use your mirrors to aid in your check, but it’s important that you actively look around to ensure you don’t miss anything. Make sure to look toward the ground on either side of your vehicle using your head and mirrors to ensure there are no people or animals laying in your path.
The brake pedal is in the middle on vehicle’s equipped with a standard transmission and is the furthest to the left in automatic vehicles. The brake pedal is the widest pedal.
It may be difficult to reach the steering wheel with your right hand while backing up, so steering with one hand is optimal.
In vehicles equipped with six speed standard transmissions, reverse is usually all the way to the left and up, next to first gear. Some cars require that you press down on the shift lever or press a release to access the reverse gear. If you are unsure of how to shift into reverse, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
You may choose to place your right hand on the top of the passenger seat to help you comfortably look out the back. If you are relying on your mirrors, make sure to check each of them frequently.
Ease off the brake slowly to ensure you do not accelerate too quickly to easily manage. . If your vehicle is equipped with a standard transmission, you will need to use the gas as you ease off the clutch, but can then allow the vehicle to idle.
Turning the wheel to the left as you back up will cause the back of the car to go left and vice versa. Stop the car if you feel uneasy about the direction it is heading, then set off again once you’ve gained control.
If you are turning left as you back up, the front of the car will swing to the right, and vice versa. Make sure you are going slowly enough that you can check the front of the car for clearance without hitting anything.
Make subtle adjustments to your speed by applying pressure to the gas pedal. Bring your foot back to the brake once you have gained sufficient speed or if you need to slow back down.
Never cross your hands over one another while turning the wheel. Instead push the wheel with one hand and pull it with the other.
Never drive your vehicle in a manner that feels unsafe. Feel free to stop the vehicle and take a minute if you feel uncertain about what you’re doing.
Use only your right foot to apply the brakes in your vehicle. Keep your foot pressed on the brake once the vehicle has stopped.
If you are unsure where to locate your parking brake or how to engage it, refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for guidance.
In many cars you can adjust both mirrors from the driver’s seat, but in some you may need to adjust them manually by hand on each side.
You likely will need to drive even slower in reverse when using mirrors to be sure you don’t miss anything. It may help to pay closer attention to the mirror on a side with an obstacle, so you can keep your eyes on it.
Have your friend stand behind the vehicle on one side to ensure you can see them as they guide you. Make sure to open your windows and turn off the radio to hear your friend’s instructions as you back up.
