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Left Corner Reverse
When it comes to learning to reverse, it is important to absorb as much information as possible. Being able to do a reverse exercise, is one thing, but learning how to do it safely and in control at all times is another. The left corner reverse exercise can be challenging to some people, but to others it may appear to be one of the easier reversing exercises. There are a few elements that the learner will need to master, and these are:
- Control of the vehicle
- Observation
- Accuracy
- Judgement
- Decisions
When learning the left corner reverse exercise, it is important to have lots of practice, and to practice the exercise in multiple locations. This will help the learner practice in different environments, and different width corners. Here are some answers to common questions:
Left Corner Reverse | FAQs
What is the left Corner Reverse?
A left corner reverse, is a reverse exercise that is done around a side road on the left. Going from major to minor only. It is commonly practiced when drivers need to turn the the car around, and prefer this method to the three point turn method.
Do learner drivers ever need to learn a right-corner reverse?
It depends. For practical test purposes, it isn’t something that is required. Right corner reverse, tends to be more for van drivers, who tend not to have a back window. However- it is up to the learner to decide whether they would like training in this area, and of course the driving instructor to provide the training.
What is a sweeping corner?
A sweeping corner is a corner where the bend is less harsh than that of a sharp corner (90 degree). The learner driver won’t have to put as much steer on the steering wheel at the point of turn on a sweeping corner.
What distance is allowed from the curb during the exercise?
A learner driver should aim to do this exercise within 1.5 foot of the curb. The learner driver should aim to be a foot from the curb when the exercise is complete.
Am I allowed to keep moving if there are on-coming traffic?
No. The learner driver should aim to stop and give-way to ALL other road users, this includes, pedestrians and cyclists.
How do I judge the point of turn?
There are a few methods to be able to judge the point of turn. One common one is to align the back passenger tyre up with the first curly curb stone of the side road. The left wing mirror will enable a learner driver to be able to see the curb line and the back tyre. Another way to judge is: As you reverse back, looking out of the rear window, the learner driver will be able to see the curb line fall into the middle of the back window. As the learner approaches the point-of-turn (corner of the road the learner driver is reversing into), the curb line will travel across the back window and into the side window, as the learner nears the corner of the new road. This will help a learner driver determine, a rough point of turn. Whislt using the wing-mirror for guidance is allowed, it is also important to keep the eyes looking backwards as much as possible.
How much steering do I need?
This is very dependent on the type of corner that the learner driver is on. Some corners are quite sharp, and others are sweeping. Generally, sweeping corners are the favoured for practice corners, and generally need only approximately 1/2 a lock to the left. A lock is when the steering wheel can’t move anymore as all the steer has been applied. Most cars have 1.5 steers to a full lock, therefor half a lock would be 3/4 of a steer to the left for sweeping corners, and a full lock (1.5 steers) for a sharp corner.
Why is it important to check a blind spot check at the point of turn?
It is important because as you start to steer around the corner, the bonnet will travel to the right. If there are approaching road users, they could impact the learner driver’s car. A blind spot check, confirms the road is clear and safe.
What type of speed should I be travelling at?
The recommended speed is walking pace, approximately 2-4 mph.
What distance should I reverse back to in the new road?
When you reverse backwards in the new road, you should clear the junction and there should be enough room for somebody to be able to pass you, and return to the left hand lane. A recommended amount is 3-4 car lengths into the new road.
Left Corner Reverse| Method
When learning to reverse around a corner to the left, it is important to understand the basics of the manoeuvre and what is expected of the learner driver. When doing this exercise in real-life, it is important to continue practicing the core elements that the learner acquires during the learning process. The key elements are: Observation, accuracy and control. Here is a guide to the left corner reverse.
- Select a convenient place on the left to perform this manoeuvre. The junction should be clear of parked vehicles, on the main road and into the side road the learner will reverse into.
- The learner should position the car 2-3 car lengths passed the side road, to start the manoeuvre. The car should be approximately one foot form the curb and parallel. A good starting position is necessary.
- The POM routine should be applied. A thorough check all around the car prior to movement. It is necessary, to know the angle of the corner the learner is about to drive around. Is it a sweeping corner, or a sharp bend?
- The learner should reverse back, taking into consideration the gradient of the hill and use the correct foot control to manoeuvre back safely.
- Continuing to look over the left shoulder out of the back window.
- The learner should use their reference point of the point-of-turn, either gauging the point with reference in the left-wing mirror, or using the side window to locate the corner, or a mixture of both.
- Once the learner is confident they have reached the point-of-turn, they should aim to STOP. This allows the learner driver to assess the road and complete a thorough observation check around the car. Paying particular attention in the right-blind spot area.
- Once the observations are done. The learner should reverse back applying some steer onto the left. If it is a sweeping corner, start with 3/4 onto the left, if it is a sharp corner, apply a full lock onto the left.
- Whilst reversing backwards, the learner driver should continually check the curb line for accuracy, using the side window and wing-mirror for guidance. If the car is becoming wide, an extra 1/4 of a steer should be applied to bring the car towards the curb again. If the car starts to become too near the curb- returning the wheels to straight wheels will help to re-align the car away from the curb. Once in a satisfactory position, the learner should re-adjust the steering to 3/4 onto the left to continue around the corner.
- The learner should be looking all around the car at all times. If another road user approaches, the learner driver should aim to come to a STOP, and give-way.
- As the car travels around the corner, and aligns parallel to the new road- the learner driver should bring the wheel back to straight wheels, and continue to reverse back until the car is approximately 3 car lengths away into the new road and away from the junction.
- The car should aim to be a foot from the curb when finished.
- The learner should secure the car once complete, by applying the parking break and electing neutral.
- Lots of practice is needed to perfect this exercise. Practicing on different types of corner is also important for accuracy and experience.
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