How to Reverse for Beginners?
3 Answers
When preparing to reverse, observe changes in the surrounding environment. For example, there might be no obstacles behind the car before getting in. Make good use of the three rearview mirrors in the car. Auxiliary devices such as parking sensors and rearview cameras can also help drivers reverse safely. Always reverse slowly. Even if an accident occurs, a sufficiently slow speed will not cause significant damage. When steering while reversing, master the technique of driving slowly but turning the steering wheel quickly. During the reversing process, adjust the moving direction with the steering wheel according to actual needs.
When I first got my driver's license, I was quite nervous about reversing, but gradually figured out some tricks. Start by finding an empty parking lot to practice. After getting in the car, adjust the rearview mirror first to ensure you can see the full view behind you, and don’t forget to set the side mirrors at the right angle. When reversing, gently hold the steering wheel to control the direction and use the brake pedal to keep the speed under 5 km/h. Once the car starts moving, frequently check the mirrors for reflections, and don’t rush to turn the steering wheel because there’s a slight delay in response. Having a friend guide you from the side is a shortcut to improvement—always be ready to stop and check your surroundings during the process. In rainy weather or at night when visibility is poor, go even slower, and roll down the window to listen for sounds to avoid blind spot accidents. Don’t stress yourself too much; find a place to practice repeatedly, and you’ll get the hang of it.
I used to be a novice driver and always worried about hitting something while reversing. My experience is to start slowly in a familiar neighborhood, take a deep breath before each move, focus, and make sure there's no one or obstacle behind. After starting the car, keep your eyes on the rearview mirror while scanning the changes in the side mirror positions with your peripheral vision—don't just focus on one spot. When turning the steering wheel, do it smoothly and with small movements—don't jerk it. I always keep my foot on the brake pedal, ready to stop at any moment; this trick has prevented many minor accidents. During practice, find an empty space and set up a few markers as targets to simulate real scenarios, gradually getting closer. Once, while parking at a supermarket, I panicked and almost scraped the wall—after that, I learned my lesson and practiced reversing for about ten minutes every day. Although the reversing camera is useful, you shouldn't rely on it too much. You need to develop your own judgment to build a sense of security.
