Starting Point Left Reverse
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This lesson should give you the confidence to complete the Left Reverse using routines that you have already covered in other manoeuvres

This manoeuvre starts in the parked position just before the junction, the order is numbered 1 to 7, note that after number 2 it jumps to the left of the image, number 3, this is the where you will start the reversing part of the manoeuvre If you have been driven to this location you must complete the Cockpit Drill

Routines needed for Left Reverse

POM

Prepare
Observe
Move
MSM

Mirror
Signal
Manoeuvre
SCALP

Safe
Convenient
And
Legal
Position

The Key points for this manoeuvre are
Control (Clutch, Steering & Brake)
Accuracy (Distance from kerb all the way round)
Observation (All around, especially right blind spot)


1) Start with the POM routine,

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2) Assume the normal driving position, aiming to pull up just past the junction on the left. (approx 2 -3 car lengths past the junction) While driving past the junction it is important that you look into the road that you intend to reverse into, you are looking for any type of obstruction that is liable to stop you completing your reverse manoeuvre.

(Keep in mind that you primary concerns are the overall safety to you and other road users.)

If all is clear you would then use the MSM routine to pull up on the left just past the junction.
(About 2 to 3 car lengths)
When stoping on the left stay a little further from the kerb than you would if parking,
(About a steering wheel distance away.)
This will avoid brushing the kerb as you start to reverse.
If the junction was not clear you would need to find another road for the manoeuvre.

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3) Once parked you are still in position 3, you would now start the reverse part of this manoeuvre, Once again start with the POM routine,
If all clear when you start to move backwards you MUST be looking out of the rear screen over your left shoulder.
The key point here is control, keep using your clutch to control your speed,

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4) You must use plenty of observations as you move backwards, as a rough guide glance forwards every cars length you go backward
The most important observation is the good look all round just before you turn the corner especially over your right shoulder. As you turn the wheel left, the right front of the car will swing out into the road.
If you forget to check your right shoulder BEFORE you turn the wheel you WILL fail your test.

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5) Keep the speed slow using the biting point of the clutch, when you get to the corner turn the wheel one full turn left,
Turning the wheel one full turn is just guide and will depend on how sharp the corner is,
look out of the rear screen at the Kerb, keep the car moving slowly backwards until the kerb
starts to vanish towards the left side of the car, you should now be able to see the kerb looking through the quarter light on your vehicle
This is where you would aim the rear wheel focus point, Just follow this round.

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6) At this point the car should be running parallel with the kerb in the new road. To get to this position from the turn, look out of the rear window, but occasionally glance into your N/S mirror, and glance forward and over your right shoulder, using all three you should be able to tell when the car is straight.
Keep going backward about four car lenghts, (End of the third white line.) Keep glancing forward.
This will give you enough distance to pull forward and get into the correct position should you wish to turn right after the manoeuvre has been completed

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7) The finished position, you need to still be looking out of the rear window when you stop. Dont get into the habit of turning round and facing forward just before you come to a stop this usually results in the car still travelling bacwards for 3 to 4 feet while you are not looking.
3 to 4 feet is plenty enough distance to run over a child.
Once stopped secure the vehicle, Handbrake on, gearstick to neutral.

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Observation Notes

Once you start to move make sure you keep glancing forward on the linktitle2 straight before the turn, over your right shoulder just before you turn, and a couple more right shoulder checks as you are going round the corner, and then more forward glances as you go straight after the turn, and you should still be looking backward as you stop.
While you are glancing forward glance in your left mirror to confirm accuracy, but dont stare in it.

Other vehicles

If while doing this manoeuver you see other vehicles coming from behind you, you must stop and let them pass. If however you are far enough round the corner and by continuing you would be clear before they get to you then carry on.
Make sure you judge this well, keep in mind the speed limit of the road you are on, and allow some people do exceed the limit, so try and judge the speed of the vehicle you see.
Be ready to continue as soon as they have passed you.
If you see a vehicle coming towards you, (from the front) again you must stop and let them pass.
Even if the front of your vehicle would not go onto the other side of the road, the oncoming vehicle may want to turn right into the road you are reversing into, you would then
1) Be blocking their veiw.
2) If your accuracy was not spot on you may swing onto the other side of the road in the road you have reversed into, hence causing the turning vehicle to either brake or swerve.

Other vehicles in the road you are reversing into

If a vehicle approches from behind as you are reversing around the corner, in the linktitle2 instance stop, find out if the other vehicle has stopped back far enough for you to complete the manoeuvre,
If not, you must pull back round the corner to point 3, this will stop the other vehicle having to pull onto the other side of the road to pass you right on a junction, hence avoiding a dangerous situation.

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