Reversing around corner

irishgirl19 · 05-08-2019 01:08PM #1

Just wondering are you allowed to adjust your left mirror before reversing around the corner.
My instructor says no but my friend's instructor says you can

Posy · 05-08-2019 01:19PM

Yes you can.

I personally preferred not to, because inevitably I'd forget to readjust it!

The J Stands for Jay · 05-08-2019 01:20PM

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Just wondering are you allowed to adjust your left mirror before reversing around the corner.
My instructor says no but my friend's instructor says you can

2 instructors told me I could, I did it in the test and passed.

irishgirl19 · 05-08-2019 02:41PM

Thank you. I did forget today to readust it but was only practicing with a friend. I'll have to get in the habit of doing it

MascotDec85 · 06-08-2019 01:51AM

It’s permitted on test but any tester I’ve spoken to don’t like to see it done.
As an instructor, I personally, hate to see it done. IMO dropping the mirror down means you’re reacting to where the kerb is going rather than seeing it in advance and anticipating your steering in addition to the fact you might also be able to see traffic approaching or pedestrians on the footpath etc.

zepman · 06-08-2019 11:32AM

My instructor didn't even talk about lowering the left mirror for reversing around the corner. He taught me to keep an eye on the back door handle in the mirror and turn the steering wheel in the appropriate direction to keep the handle parallel with the kerb at all times. This worked because, in my car, the handle is more or less above the rear wheel.

I'm glad I didn't learn to lower the left mirror. It might have been okay on the test, but outside of it, it would be time-consuming to do this every time I have to reverse, and raise it back after I'm done (if I do remember to). Even on my test, my reverse around the corner involved multiple stops since the road I was starting from was busy, and there was a vehicle parked very close to the corner of the street I was reversing into. With so much going on, if I had my left mirror lowered, there would have been things I might have missed. And being overwhelmed after completing the reverse, I would probably have forgotten to readjust the mirror.

irishgirl19 · 06-08-2019 08:04PM

When I was out driving on pretest today instructor said maybe leave left mirror slightly more down than right one.
Hard to know what to do. I'll practice few more times with mirrors in a normal position. I did find it easier obviously having the kerb in the view of the mirror but don't want to break any rules.
I have my test in a few days and feel physically sick with nerves when I think of it.

On a side note does anyone know a handy website for refreshing on road signs?

J_R · 07-08-2019 05:02PM

Hi,

Adjusting the mirror downwards is no problem whatsoever, provided of course adequate observations are taken. In some situations. due to the configuration of the car windows, combined with the height of the driver using the mirrors is the only way that they can safely and competently navigate, otherwise it is pure guesswork.

Regarding returning the mirror to driving position. After completing each segment of the test and before starting a new, you should always take a moment to compose yourself, for example after reversing, say to yourself, OK, that's the reversing done, (well done me) now back to my driving mode and do the necessary checks.

Not just for reversing, providing a person performs any aspect correctly and adequately, I would be wary of changing that method just before a test. Because in the test the nerves could kick in, driver gets confused and attempt some kind of a hybrid of the new and old systems and end up using neither correctly.

I had a pupil once, after parking at the end of the test he turned to the examiner and said, " I have made one mistake, I forgot to put up the mirror after the reverse". i asked him what did the examiner say, " talk to you inside". He passed, examiner did not mention the mirrors

MascotDec85 · 07-08-2019 05:14PM

J_R wrote: »

Hi,

Adjusting the mirror downwards is no problem whatsoever, provided of course adequate observations are taken. In some situations. due to the configuration of the car windows, combined with the height of the driver using the mirrors is the only way that they can safely and competently navigate, otherwise it is pure guesswork.

Regarding returning the mirror to driving position. After completing each segment of the test and before starting a new, you should always take a moment to compose yourself, for example after reversing, say to yourself, OK, that's the reversing done, (well done me) now back to my driving mode and do the necessary checks.

Not just for reversing, providing a person performs any aspect correctly and adequately, I would be wary of changing that method just before a test. Because in the test the nerves could kick in, driver gets confused and attempt some kind of a hybrid of the new and old systems and end up using neither correctly.

I had a pupil once, after parking at the end of the test he turned to the examiner and said, " I have made one mistake, I forgot to put up the mirror after the reverse". i asked him what did the examiner say, " talk to you inside". He passed, examiner did not mention the mirrors

The height of the pupil is essentially irrelevant if the mirror is set correctly for them (and their height) eg. In my car, the perfect mirror height is the front of the front door handle at the bottom of the mirror, it’s a reference point.
6ft 4 Paddy sets his mirror in that position the same way 5ft 0 Aoife does. That doesn’t mean the mirror hasn’t moved, it’s just set relative to the driver.
I’m sick getting into cars with pupils who haven’t been taught how to set their mirrors correctly. It’s actually frightening.

irishgirl19 · 07-08-2019 05:19PM

MascotDec85 wrote:

The height of the pupil is essentially irrelevant if the mirror is set correctly for them (and their height) eg. In my car, the perfect mirror height is the front of the front door handle at the bottom of the mirror, itâ€™s a reference point. 6ft 4 Paddy sets his mirror in that position the same way 5ft 0 Aoife does. That doesnâ€™t mean the mirror hasnâ€™t moved, itâ€™s just set relative to the driver. Iâ€™m sick getting into cars with pupils who havenâ€™t been taught how to set their mirrors correctly. Itâ€™s actually frightening.

I thought it was the back door handle in the bottom corner of the mirror. I could be remembering wrong. Hard to think when I'm not actually in the car doing it.

MascotDec85 · 07-08-2019 05:22PM

irishgirl19 wrote: »

I thought it was the back door handle in the bottom corner of the mirror. I could be remembering wrong. Hard to think when I'm not actually in the car doing it.

Different reference points in different cars so you probably are right.

meathstevie · 07-08-2019 07:57PM

In my opinion, I'm not an instructor nor a tester, you demonstrate that you are able to use your car's features to your advantage to safely complete a manoeuvre by adjusting the mirror.

J_R · 07-08-2019 08:23PM

meathstevie wrote: »

In my opinion, I'm not an instructor nor a tester, you demonstrate that you are able to use your car's features to your advantage to safely complete a manoeuvre by adjusting the mirror.

+1

Could not agree more. Some instructors insist on a certain way of doing things irrespective if it is suitable for the pupil or not.

For example got a new pupil who had failed the tests a few times.

First lesson had her reverse around a corner. She was making a right mess, so stopped her, asked her why was she looking out the back window. she replied because last instructor said I must or I will fail the test. Then asked her what could she see, her reply "Clouds ?."

First thing I did was drive back to my car and got a cushion from the boot. (Kept a few from Lidl ) That helped, then taught her how to adjust, use her mirrors.

MascotDec85 · 07-08-2019 09:41PM

meathstevie wrote: »

In my opinion, I'm not an instructor nor a tester, you demonstrate that you are able to use your car's features to your advantage to safely complete a manoeuvre by adjusting the mirror.

The word “safely” is very important here.
With a mirror adjusted downwards it could very easy to miss another oncoming hazard, like I said earlier in the thread, that hazard could be on the footpath, and in the blind spot in the rear left corner of the car.

I reckon it’s 7 years since I’ve had a pupil failing a test for the reverse around the corner. I’m happy with the method I use and my pupil’s seem to be too

irishgirl19 · 07-08-2019 10:03PM

MascotDec85 wrote:

The word â€œsafelyâ€ is very important here. With a mirror adjusted downwards it could very easy to miss another oncoming hazard, like I said earlier in the thread, that hazard could be on the footpath, and in the blind spot in the rear left corner of the car.

This is probably why my instructor is telling me I cant move the mirror downwards so. Safer with them up.
Think I will just leave them as they are an not turn downwards. Too risky

Always Tired · 07-08-2019 10:08PM

I hate how this is such a big thing in the test. The bottom row of my estate is used as a training ground by lesson givers and I'd say 50% of the time I go to cross that street there is some learner practicing this blocking my way. And it's basically the algebra of driving, you never use it in real life.

Posy · 07-08-2019 10:56PM

I assume the real life scenarios would be reversing into a parking space or into your drive?

07-08-2019 11:01PM

Just reverse wide in the test and avoid hitting the kerb. You’ll only get a grade 2 for going wide.

Assuming the rest of your driving is good, you’ll pass. And it will be the last time you’ll ever reverse around a corner.

That’s what I did.

MascotDec85 · 08-08-2019 12:09AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Just reverse wide in the test and avoid hitting the kerb. You’ll only get a grade 2 for going wide.

Assuming the rest of your driving is good, you’ll pass. And it will be the last time you’ll ever reverse around a corner.

That’s what I did.

Would you reverse wide into a parking space or driveway? It’s the same difference tbh.

08-08-2019 03:43AM

I was told I should adjust my mirror for the manouver! However my old car had the mirror smashed off it so I had to adjust it by hand. If your mirror is in the right position for regular driving then you will be able to reverse around the corner grand. Just be absolutely certain to pause and do observation before you turn around the corner!!

Best of luck.

Woodsie1 · 08-08-2019 04:01AM

When starting drive as far forward along the straight kerb as your tester will allow.
When reversing,move the wheel(SLIGHTLY),while looking in the mirror to see how he vehicle reacts to the kerb in your mirror.
Once to the turn adjust your steering to move in sync with the curve of the kerb.

Its hard to describe,I drive artics and we are trained to steer the trailer not the actual car(truck) we are driving...if you can get some time alone in a safe space just drive the car using only the mirrors...obviously in the test you need to look around too,but if you focus only driving using only mirrors(where its opposite)it will become 2nd nature to you.

Big kudos asking for advice,wish I did the same after failing my car test 1st time and truck test 1st time...passed both now,you can do the same:)

The Bishop Basher · 08-08-2019 07:54AM

The passenger mirror on some cars automatically drops when you place it in reverse. I’m pretty sure I dropped the mirror for my test nearly 30 years ago now. Can’t see the issue once you complete the manouver safely.

irishgirl19 · 08-08-2019 08:02AM

Woodsie1 wrote:

Big kudos asking for advice,wish I did the same after failing my car test 1st time and truck test 1st time...passed both now,you can do the same

Thanks. Im dreading the test. Totally overthinking most of it and doubting myself even after lots of practice.
Hopefully when I'm in the car with the tester it will just be like 2nd nature to me. Fingers crossed.

irishgirl19 · 08-08-2019 08:37PM

Practiced tonight there with mirrors in normal position and I was OK I reckon.

08-08-2019 10:36PM

MascotDec85 wrote: »

Would you reverse wide into a parking space or driveway? It’s the same difference tbh.

No. But for the purpose of the test, it’s best to make certain you avoid the kerb. You’ll get a grade 3 for that and wait for months for another test date.

MascotDec85 · 09-08-2019 12:19AM

The Bishop Basher wrote: »

The passenger mirror on some cars automatically drops when you place it in reverse. I’m pretty sure I dropped the mirror for my test nearly 30 years ago now. Can’t see the issue once you complete the manouver safely.

Your instructor/car must have been really flash, the majority of cars didn’t have a left mirror 30 years ago. I passed my test 26 years ago and didn’t have one on a fairly new ADI car

MascotDec85 · 09-08-2019 12:24AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

No. But for the purpose of the test, it’s best to make certain you avoid the kerb. You’ll get a grade 3 for that and wait for months for another test date.

You might get a Grade 3 if you mount the kerb, simply brushing it will in most cases give a Grade 2. If you go excessively wide it could result in a Grade 3.

You should always try and keep the thing you’re trying to avoid and keep a reasonable distance from it.

I don’t think there’s anywhere in the country where a wait for the test is ‘months” most areas are around 6 weeks on average.

The Bishop Basher · 09-08-2019 09:12AM

MascotDec85 wrote: »

Your instructor/car must have been really flash, the majority of cars didn’t have a left mirror 30 years ago. I passed my test 26 years ago and didn’t have one on a fairly new ADI car

Not at all..

I can't remember for certain which car I did my test in but it was likely in my Dad's Nissan Sunny which was probably an 88 or 89. But then it could have been in the Mini Mayfair. Failing that it was in a 1990 civic. I have a crap memory for things like this but I do know that all 3 of those cars had a nearside mirror and I had it dropped slightly for the test.

It took another few years before I had one that automatically dropped in reverse but they all had 2 mirrors and there was nothing flash about any of those cars.

I also had the rear view mirror at an awkward angle for the test so it was obvious when I was looking at it which was done on the advice of my instructor.

I passed within a couple of months of my 17th birthday so the advice paid off.

ebbsy · 09-08-2019 12:27PM

I know people adjust their mirrors downwards but there is no need. Just watch until the kerb disappears from the mirror and count to 2 before turning.

I know when I first practiced it I turned the wheel to quickly. Small turns and let the car react each time.

I did it in Naas and it was busy.

irishgirl19 · 09-08-2019 08:51PM

Failed on hitting kerb. Really annoyed at myself as I practiced for ages last night and only hit kerb once. Same in my prettest today.
Oh well

Woodsie1 · 09-08-2019 11:50PM

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Failed on hitting kerb. Really annoyed at myself as I practiced for ages last night and only hit kerb once. Same in my prettest today.
Oh well

Awh thats a shame.
Nevermind,dust yourself down and go again,just think that youre way more prepared now for the next time you try.

Maybe someone posting has better knowledge than me,can you stop and readjust the car or does it need to be all done in one manouver.
I know in the artic trucks if you mess up you can pull forward and start again,its been a long time since I did the car test.

Reversing around corner

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