How to Back Up Safely
Reversing your vehicle in a straight line under control while watching for people and objects behind you.
Step by step
- Before you get in, check behind the vehicle for children, pedestrians, and objects — a backup camera does not show everything low or to the sides.
- Press the brake, shift into reverse, and release the parking brake.
- Turn your body and look back over your right shoulder through the rear window; use mirrors and the camera only as extra help, not instead of looking.
- Back up slowly, steering with small movements — turn the wheel toward the direction you want the rear of the car to go — and keep glancing to the front and sides.
- Stop right away if anyone or anything comes near, and don't back up farther or faster than you need to.
What examiners look for
That you look back over your shoulder (not only at the mirror or camera), keep your speed slow and controlled, stay in a straight line or your lane, and check all around while reversing.
Common mistakes
Relying only on mirrors or the backup camera, backing up too fast, not checking behind the car first, and steering too much so the car weaves.
When you'll use it
Leaving parking spaces and driveways, and a graded part of many road tests — often backing straight for about three car lengths while staying within about three feet of the curb.
Related maneuvers
Based on state DMV driver manuals and official road-test criteria. Exact requirements vary by state — check your state's driver manual.