The DTC
Manoeuvres6 min read

Pull Up on the Right & Reverse

This exercise checks three things: your choice of where to stop, your reversing control, and your observations before rejoining traffic. Take your time and think it through.

The full guide

You will be asked to stop on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back roughly two car lengths, and then rejoin the traffic flow. This tests three separate skills: choosing a safe stopping point, maintaining control while reversing, and carrying out proper observations before moving off again.

Pick a place that is both safe and legal. Avoid stopping near junctions, bus stops, private driveways, or anywhere you would obstruct traffic. Signal right, check your mirrors and right blind spot, and pull in smoothly. Aim to finish parallel to the kerb, around 30cm away, then apply the handbrake.

Before reversing, look all around the car — pay special attention behind and to your left for cyclists and pedestrians. Look over your left shoulder and begin reversing extremely slowly. Make small steering corrections to keep the car straight. Reverse about two car lengths or until the examiner tells you to stop.

To move off again, check your mirrors, signal left, check your left blind spot, and pull out when the road is clear. The examiner is checking that you do not rush the observations and that you only rejoin traffic when it is safe to do so.

Common faults

  • Stopping in a position that is unsafe or prohibited — such as near a junction or bus stop
  • Failing to check mirrors and blind spot before moving across to the right
  • Reversing too fast or not looking behind enough while going backwards
  • Not checking properly before moving off again
  • Pulling out into the path of approaching traffic
  • Hitting or mounting the kerb during the reverse

What the examiner looks for

  • You choose a stopping place that is safe, legal, and sensible
  • You check mirrors and blind spot before crossing to the right side
  • You finish reasonably close to the kerb and reasonably parallel
  • You observe thoroughly before and during the reverse
  • You reverse very slowly and keep the car under full control
  • You check properly before moving off and rejoin traffic only when safe

Quick tips

  1. 1Avoid stopping opposite another parked car — you will block the road for through traffic
  2. 2If oncoming vehicles are close, wait for them to pass before pulling in
  3. 3Reverse at a snail's pace — there is no advantage to hurrying
  4. 4Watch constantly for cyclists and pedestrians, especially on your left
  5. 5When moving off again, your left blind spot is vital — cyclists often filter on the left

Common questions about pull up on the right & reverse

Can I be asked to do this on a hill?
The examiner will usually choose a flat stretch, but if a hill is unavoidable, use the handbrake to prevent rolling and apply slightly more gas when moving off. Avoid hill starts if you can by choosing your stopping point carefully.
How far from the kerb should I finish?
About 30cm is ideal. Much further out and you become an obstruction. Much closer and you risk hitting the kerb. Aim for the same distance as you would in a normal parking manoeuvre.
Do I need to signal when moving off again?
Yes. Signal left to show you are rejoining traffic, and carry out a thorough left blind spot check before pulling away. This is especially important because traffic may be passing on your left.
Exactly how far should I reverse?
The examiner will usually ask for about two car lengths. Reverse slowly, keep checking all around, and stop promptly when instructed. Do not rush or guess the distance.
What if another vehicle approaches while I am reversing?
Stop and wait. If they pass, continue. If they try to squeeze past, stay stopped until they are completely clear. Safety always takes priority over completing the manoeuvre quickly.
Can I use my mirrors instead of physically looking behind?
No. The examiner expects to see physical head checks. Mirrors help, but they do not cover the blind spots that a shoulder check reveals. Always look over your left shoulder while reversing.

Ready to put this into practice?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

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Pull Up on the Right & Reverse | The DTC