Reversing out of a parking space only as far as you need
Back out just far enough to turn into the nearest lane, and no further.
Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 296Asked in road safetyShown in one practice question
What it means
Reversing out of a parking space only as far as you need: what is the rule?
Cars sit nose in along a row of parking bays, and the yellow one is backing out with its white reversing lamps lit. A short yellow arrow takes it into the near lane and earns a green tick. A faint dashed arrow carrying on across the far lane has a red cross, because a white car is coming along that lane. Reversing is a risky move, so keep it as short as the job allows.
What to do
1
Look all round, including behind for small children, before you move.
2
Reverse slowly and stop as soon as you can turn into the near lane.
3
Give way to anything coming along the aisle or road behind you.
A practice question with this scene
You need to reverse out of a parking space. How far should you go?
Right.Not quite. The answer is A.
Reverse only as far as you need to, and only when it is safe, as reversing is one of the riskiest moves you make.
Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 296
Common questions
How far should you reverse out of a parking spot?
Only as far as you need to, and only when it is safe to do it.
Can a learner take off their seatbelt to reverse?
No. Only full licence holders may go unbelted while reversing.
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