When reversing, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the back of the car to go: turn right to move the rear to the right, and left to move it to the left. It feels backwards because the front of the car swings the opposite way. Reverse slowly, make small steering movements and look where the car is going.
Key takeaways
- Turn the wheel the way you want the rear to go.
- The front swings the opposite way, so check that side too.
- Go slowly: at walking pace you have time to correct.
- Straighten the wheel a little early, as it takes time to unwind.
- Towing a trailer is different: the trailer moves the opposite way.
The simple rule for steering in reverse
Look through the rear window in the direction you are travelling, and turn the top of the steering wheel towards where you want the back of the car to go. If you want the rear to move towards a kerb on your right, turn the wheel to the right. It is the same direction you would turn when driving forwards and looking that way.
Why does steering in reverse feel backwards?
Your steering turns the front wheels. When you drive forwards, the front leads and the rear follows. When you reverse, the rear leads, so the car pivots around the back and the front swings out wide in the opposite direction. That swing is what makes reversing feel unnatural, and it is also why you must check the front corners of the car while you turn.
How to steer while reversing, step by step
These steps apply to any reversing manoeuvre, such as reversing into a bay or a parallel parking space.
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Look where you are going
Turn in your seat and look through the rear window, using the mirrors for quick checks of the sides.
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Turn the wheel towards where you want the rear to go
Want the back of the car to go right? Turn the wheel right. Want it to go left? Turn it left.
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Use small movements at a slow speed
Creep back slowly and adjust the steering a little at a time. The slower you go, the easier it is to correct.
Tip: A quarter turn of the wheel makes a noticeable difference at low speed.
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Watch the front swing
As the rear turns one way, the front swings the other. Check that side is clear, especially near parked cars.
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Straighten a little early
Start turning the wheel back just before the car is where you want it, because it takes time to unwind.
Common steering when reversing mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Turning the wrong wayIf the rear moves away from where you want, stop, then turn the wheel the other way. Moving slowly means you lose very little ground.
- OversteeringBig, fast steering movements make the car swing too much. Use smaller movements and let the car respond.
- Straightening too lateThe car keeps turning and ends up crooked. Start unwinding the wheel a little earlier.
- Looking only in the mirrorsMirrors show narrow strips. Turn around and look through the rear window as your main view.
Frequently asked questions
Why does reversing feel backwards?
Because the steered front wheels are at the far end of the car from the direction you are moving. The rear leads and the front swings the opposite way, which feels unnatural at first.
When reversing into a space on my right, which way do I turn?
Turn the wheel to the right, towards the space, to move the rear of the car towards it. Then straighten or steer back as the car lines up.
Is it the same when reversing with a trailer?
No. With a trailer attached, the trailer moves the opposite way to the steering, so drivers often hold the bottom of the wheel to make it feel natural. That rule is only for trailers, not normal reversing.
How do I reverse in a straight line?
Hold the wheel steady with the wheels straight, look through the rear window, and make tiny corrections as soon as the car starts to drift.
Can I practise steering in reverse online?
Yes. Parking Simulator is a free browser-based simulator where you can practise reversing into bays and parallel parking spaces, with the steering wheel shown on screen as you turn.