How To Reverse In A Manual/stick Shift Car - World Driving

Preparing to reverse.

You're allowed to remove your seat belt when reversing if it helps. Make sure that you refasten it before driving forward.

White lights are on on behind the car when you select reverse.

You might have press the gas slightly (especially if your car easily stalls). The car will need a little more gas if reversing uphill or no gas and have the footbrake ready if reversing downhill.

Raise the clutch to the biting point the same as you would when you drive forward but this time the back of the car will raise up slightly. This is a little different as when you get the biting point in 1st gear the back of the car dips down slightly.

It's important to check all around your car before reversing. Look out for pedestrians and cyclists who are harder to see. Make sure that you look through the rear window before you reverse over your shoulder. Looking over your shoulder through the rear window gives you a better, wider view than the interior mirror. If you're unsure what or who is near your car then get out and check first.

Make it easier for yourself.

The slower you reverse, the easier it is. Raise the clutch to speed up or dip the clutch down slightly to slow down. Raising the clutch all the way will make you reverse quite quickly so be careful. Reversing slowly also gives you a chance to observe around your car. Don't forget that things can change very quickly around your car.

Which way to steer when reversing.

Looking mostly through the rear window (and all around) steer in the direction you want the back of the car to go. Steer left to make the back of the car to go to your left or steer right to go to your right. You won't feel the car react immediately to your steering in the same way as it does when you drive forward. Steer a little earlier than you think you should.

Try and remember where the wheels are pointing. If you're unsure then check the back window to see which direction the car is moving.