driving test on the 30th

dunworth1

i have my driving test on the 30th a 11.55am

i am fine with everything but reversing around a corner.

is it a automatic fail if i hit/go on the kerb

i have being finding it easier to go back a little further before turning but this means that i am further from the kerb?

any help guys

im invisible

practice, practice, practice

Red Crow

It depends. Sometimes if you hit the curb you may receive a grade I/II mark for not completing the manoeuvre competently. If it's reckless it could very well be a grade three but if you are going at a controllable pace and you sufficiently observe the corner then there is no reason why you should hit the curb.

From experience a friend of mine mounted the curb and was given a grade III but another guy who I worked with mounted the curb on a corner on a decline and received a grade II, he then repositioned and completed the manoeuvre successfully.

My recommendation would be to go to all the areas with an instructor so you're comfortable with the surroundings and then when you're finished with your instructor return with a friend or family member and try and reverse around as many corners as you can in the estates where your instructor has brought you.

As for your distance I wouldn't go too far out, it's okay to adjust your mirrors so you can see the bend easier but make sure you readjust before moving off. Keep a safe distance so that your not likely to hit the curb without any harsh steering but keep close enough that your not picking up marks under the 'competently' heading. It really depends how far back your going. Maybe you should try a lesson if you're still uncomfortable. Also remember after the move to take off properly too. Too many people get caught up in the reverse around the corner and forget to take off correctly and pick up silly marks that way. Drive how you normally drive and most people that fail, do so because they are nervous. Relax and be calm and just remember you're not losing anything by taking the test. The tester wants too see that can follow the rules and drive in a correct manner according to the RSA.

Good luck OP.

teR_

dunworth1 wrote: »

i have my driving test on the 30th a 11.55am

i am fine with everything but reversing around a corner.

is it a automatic fail if i hit/go on the kerb

i have being finding it easier to go back a little further before turning but this means that i am further from the kerb?

any help guys

Nope not a straight fail.

Just go out and do it a couple times. Was shlt at doing this, i went out every night a week before my test and done it about 20 time each night.

My instructor use to tell me to go so slow when doing this so that you can correct it if you drift to far. Literally creep around. This actually shows better control ..anyone can jump off the clutch and zip around the corner, the whole point is clutch control, tease the car around. Before you begin wind down your window so you can hear for any cars you might not see. Make sure to look everywhere before you move. Stop half way and look all around then proceed. When you're moving your main focus should be looking over your left shoulder and out the rear window into the road you're entering. Keep glancing around the mirrors.

dunworth1

Thanks guys

J_R

Hi,

It is not really a "Reverse around a corner". It is an exercise for the applicant to demonstrate their ability to "reverse into a limited opening".

The actual instruction given in the test is:-

"Reverse into this road on the left/right. You should continue reversing, while it is safe to do so, keeping reasonably close to the left/right. I'll tell you when you have gone back far enough; you may start when you are ready."

from Standard Procedure for Conducting Driving Tests

Years ago I asked the then Chief Tester of Ireland what distance you were allowed to go out without being marked and his reply was "half a car width". (Unfortunately not all examiners know this.)

If I had a pupil who had trouble reversing and we did not have time to sort out the problem, (left too late for lessons) my instructions before the test used to be "Do a rough safe reverse, just keep on your own side of the road. But ensure do all necessary observational checks and show good car control - give it gas, use clutch control.

If they got any marks, would only be a grade 2

Best of Luck

gavmcg92

Did my test on Satuday and passed it. The reverse around the corner was my weakest when I was practicing but funny enough I did great in the test.
I would advise you to go slow, very slow. Don't rush it. You can do it just on the clutch if you want.

You need to constantly observe your surroundings. (Don't forget your right mirror as well) Look all around you. Stop when your half way around the corner and do a full sweep of your surroundings.

As for how I learned how to do it? Starting off you should be about a foot away from the curb. Start to reverse while keep an eye on the curb through your left hand mirror. When the curb starts to pull away from the car and move to the left of that mirror, start to turn your steering wheel. You will notice that the curb will start to move back towards the side of the car that you can see through your mirror.

I always try to finish up so that there is an inch of tarmac between the side of the car and the curb in your mirror. This works out at about a foot if you were to get out and look.

Best of luck. It's all about practice.

dunworth1

just to update

my test on the 30th was cancelled due to the tester being sick
was rescheduled for this morning.

and the result was great i passed with only two marks 1 grade one and 1 grade 2

grade 2 was for not turning soon enough around a right corner
grade 1 was for not pulling away quick enough at traffic lights.


my reverse around the corner went great.

the test was nice which i felt helped me lot and made me feel more relaxed.

thanks again for all the advice

gavmcg92

A grade 1 for not pulling away quickly enough? My tester gave me a grade 2 for that...