1. NV Driver Education Curriculum
Backing Up / Reverse
NV Driver Education Curriculum
Unit 3: The Driving Task
Presentation 5 of 7

2. Backing is a High-Risk Maneuver
Backing is Difficult
Backing is a High-Risk Maneuver
Drivers cannot see behind their vehicle
Always walk around the rear of the vehicle before getting into it to check travel path
Back-up sensors available
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Retrieved: 12/09/09

3. Backing is a High-Risk Maneuver
Take Your Time
Backing is a High-Risk Maneuver
Many ‘fender-benders’ occur when backing up
Important to check all blind spots carefully
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Cars imagefrom:
Retrieved: 12/09/09

4. Backing is a High-Risk Maneuver
Maintain Control
Backing is a High-Risk Maneuver
Vehicle’s response to steering is much sharper when backing
Drive slowly to allow time for steering corrections
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Retrieved: 12/09/09

5. Preparing to Back the Vehicle
Before entering, check clear path of travel
Right foot on brake pedal (heel on floor)
Shift lever in R = REVERSE
Check all mirrors (inside and outside) P R N D L
Brake image taken by CCSD
Mirror image from:
Retrieved: 12/09/09
Gear image from:
Retrieved: 12/03/09

6. Backing Straight
Place left hand at top ( 12 o’clock) of steering wheel
Turn head and body to look over your right shoulder (right arm on back of passenger seat)
Slowly creep back by slightly releasing brake pedal pressure
Move top of steering wheel slightly in the direction you want the back of the vehicle to go.
Image from Montana Driver Ed Curriculum
One Hand Steering

7. Backing Left or Right Start with both hands on the wheel
Front Wheel Swing
Start with both hands on the wheel
Check mirrors and blind spots
Slowly creep back by slightly releasing brake pedal pressure
Pull wheel (hand-over-hand) in the direction you want the back of the vehicle to travel
Check swing of front of the vehicle - frequently
Backing Left
Front wheels will move farther right than back wheels (when backing right wheels swing left)
Image from: Pearson Drive Right Textbook, Revised 10th edition
Page 115

8. Backing Tips Visually target position Maintain reference points
Control rear movement (slight turns)
Move slowly as possible to start (slight release of brake)
Accelerate gradually
Cover brake as needed
Rearview Mirror Image from:
Car image from: 12/09/09

9. Common Mistakes Turn the wheel in the wrong direction
Turn the wheel in the direction you want the rear of the car to go
Accelerate too quickly
Move slowly and control speed by using the brake, rather than accelerator
Misjudge position of the car
Get out of the car to check spatial placement
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Retrieved: 19/21/09

10. Driving Tip
Driving in a parking lot can be dangerous with all the movement of people and cars. Avoid backing up.
Look for ‘pull through’ parking spaces where you can drive into the space in front of you.
These spaces require no backing to enter or exit.
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Retrieved: 12/09/09