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3. BACKING

Goal: your teen will learn to safely back a vehicle and be able to steer it in the direction they want to go.

Time: The suggested time to spend on this lesson is 90 minutes with 30 minutes demonstration and 60 minutes practice.

Location: Open Parking lot during “off” hours

Back straight or right

Back Left

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Demonstrate how to perform the driving skills you want your teen to learn.

Have your teen drive backward slowly around an empty parking lot, perhaps one of the school parking lots during off hours (if it is empty).

The speed is controlled more by brake pressure than with the gas. Sometimes it takes a slight tap on the gas to get the car moving.

Move slowly, barely above idle. Your teen must get a feel for how a car reacts when it is in reverse.

Practice going straight, left and right.

Pick out targets and have your teen drive to them.

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Take extra care and move slowly when backing up (reversing) your vehicle. Before you begin, check that the way is clear behind you. Be especially careful to look for children and cyclists

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Put the gear selector in reverse and turn sideways in your seat to look over your shoulder.

If you are backing straight, turn your body and head to the right and look back over your right shoulder. Release the brake and slightly steer as needed.

When backing to the right, turn your body and head to the right and look back over your right shoulder. Release the brake and turn the wheel to the right.

When backing to the left, turn your body and head to the left and look over your left shoulder. Release the brake and turn the wheel to the left.

Always check the opposite shoulder as well. If you are turning as you reverse, check that the front end of your vehicle does not hit anything.

Backing Straight or Right

Backing Left

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