Reversing out of a driveway
Reversing out of a driveway requires low speed, very good visibility and a plan before you begin.
Reversing out of a driveway is more demanding than many people think. You have poorer visibility, a higher stress level and a greater risk of overlooking children, bicycles or cars that appear suddenly.
What you need to know
- It is often safer to reverse in when you arrive than to reverse out when you are leaving.
- Sight lines from residential driveways are often shorter than they look from the driver’s seat.
- Extra-low speed is necessary because you may need to stop immediately.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Residential area with children | Stop several times and check both sides systematically. | Reversing in one single movement without fresh checks. |
| Driveway with a hedge or wall | Move the car out slowly until you get more visibility, then stop again. | Trying to solve everything with the reversing camera alone. |
| Dark autumn evening | Use your lights, keep a very low speed and be ready to abort. | Assuming others will spot you in time. |
Common mistakes
- Relying too much on the camera or sensors.
- Forgetting to check side windows and mirrors separately.
- Reversing while feeling pressured by cars waiting behind you.
How to practice
Read this together with Reversing and parking , Reversing and children and Reversing cameras and parking sensors .