Pull Up on the Right and Reverse
Master the DVSA practical test manoeuvre: crossing the road to park parallel against the right-hand kerb, reversing straight back for approximately two car lengths with 360-degree observation, and rejoining traffic safely.
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Knowledge: Legal Principles, Road Position, and Manoeuvre Structure
Pulling up on the right is one of the four DVSA practical test reversing manoeuvres introduced to reflect real-world driving situations, such as parking outside a shop or a delivery drop-off. The manoeuvre consists of three distinct phases: first, selecting a safe location and crossing over to park smoothly parallel to the right-hand kerb; second, reversing straight backwards for about two car lengths while maintaining a steady gap from the kerb; and third, rejoining traffic by moving across from the right-hand side back into your normal driving position on the left. Highway Code Rule 239 states that you must not park against the flow of traffic at night unless you are in a designated parking bay, and Rule 160 instructs drivers to drive on the left. Because positioning your car on the right places you facing oncoming vehicles head-on, you have no priority whatsoever. You must give way to all other road users, stop cleanly within 20 to 30 cm of the right-hand kerb, maintain all-round observation throughout, and ensure the vehicle stays parallel to the pavement without swinging across the centre of the carriageway.
Understanding: Why Facing Oncoming Traffic Demands Heightened Awareness
When you sit on the right-hand side of a UK road facing oncoming traffic, you create an unusual situation that other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians do not expect. Approaching drivers see headlights or a vehicle bonnet facing directly towards them in their lane, which can lead to confusion or sudden braking if your intentions are not clear. Reversing down the right-hand kerb also introduces unique blind spots: looking over your left shoulder now faces into the roadway rather than the pavement, while your right shoulder check monitors the adjacent kerb and any pedestrians walking along the footpath. Furthermore, moving off from the right requires looking across your front windscreen and right blind spot to detect oncoming vehicles, as well as checking your interior and left door mirrors for vehicles approaching from behind you on the opposite side of the road. Understanding these visual angles and giving priority to every road user is why examiners place such critical emphasis on observation, patience, and precise slow-speed clutch control.
Pulling Up on the Right: Step by Step
Understanding each stage of this manoeuvre in detail will give you the confidence to execute it calmly and safely during your DVSA practical driving test.
1. Assessing the Approach and Selecting a Location
When the driving examiner asks you to pull up on the right when it is safe to do so, do not rush to cross immediately. Take time to inspect the road ahead. You need a straight section of road where you have clear sightlines in both directions.
Ensure you do not stop opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, on the brow of a hill, around sharp bends, across private driveways, or opposite bus stops. Ensure there is plenty of room behind you so you have space to reverse straight back without running into another parked car.
- Check for double yellow lines, red routes, or local parking restrictions.
- Look ahead for dropped kerbs and vehicle crossovers serving residents' driveways.
- Ensure the road is wide enough for other traffic to pass comfortably while you are stopped.
2. Crossing Over to the Right-Hand Kerb
Once you have selected a suitable spot, apply the MSPSL routine. Check your interior mirror and right exterior mirror to ensure no vehicle or cyclist is attempting to overtake you. Check ahead for oncoming traffic in the lane you are about to enter.
If anyone could benefit from knowing your intentions, signal right. If oncoming traffic is present, wait on your own side of the road until the road is completely clear. Steer across at a shallow, diagonal angle so the approach is smooth and gentle.
- Avoid sharp, sudden steering inputs that point the vehicle directly at the kerb.
- Control your speed in 1st gear (or gentle creep in an automatic) at around 5 mph.
- Never cut in front of an oncoming driver or force someone behind you to brake.
3. Straightening and Securing the Car Parallel to the Kerb
As the front of your car approaches within roughly 30 cm of the right kerb, steer gently back to the left to straighten the vehicle. Look ahead and into your right door mirror to verify that the car is parallel to the pavement edge.
Bring the vehicle smoothly to a halt using the footbrake. Secure the car by applying the handbrake firmly, and shift into neutral (or select Park in an automatic). Cancel your indicator if it has not already switched off. You should now be sitting comfortably between 20 and 30 cm from the kerb.
- Do not hit, scrub, or mount the kerb with your tyres.
- Check that the car is parallel rather than sitting at an awkward angle into the road.
- Secure the vehicle and rest your feet so you are prepared for the next instruction.
4. Reversing for Two Car Lengths with Constant Observations
The examiner will ask you to reverse back for approximately two car lengths while keeping reasonably close to the kerb. Select reverse gear and prepare your biting point. Before moving, carry out a complete 360-degree observation scan covering both blind spots and all mirrors.
Begin reversing at a slow walking pace. Look mainly through the rear window, frequently scanning your mirrors and the road ahead. Use small steering movements to stay parallel. If another car, cyclist, or pedestrian approaches from any direction, stop and wait until they pass.
- Keep your speed strictly at walking pace using micro clutch adjustments.
- Steer right to move closer to the kerb; steer left to move away from the kerb.
- Never assume another road user will give way to you while you are reversing.
5. Rejoining Traffic on the Left-Hand Side of the Road
Once you have reversed approximately two car lengths, stop smoothly, apply the handbrake, and select 1st gear (or Drive). The examiner will tell you to drive on when you are ready. Do not hurry.
Because you are on the right, you must look across the windscreen for oncoming traffic, check your interior and left door mirrors for vehicles coming from behind, and check your left shoulder blind spot. Signal left if necessary, release the handbrake, and move across back into your normal driving lane on the left.
- Give way to all road users: you do not have right of way when moving off from the right.
- Look over your left shoulder into your blind spot before committing to pull across.
- Turn off your left signal once you are established safely in your driving lane.
Remember: safety always takes priority over speed. If you are ever unsure whether you have enough time to cross or reverse, pause, wait, and reassess.
Syllabus, Highway Code & Test Requirements
How this lesson aligns with the official national driving standards and practical test assessments in Great Britain.
- Select a safe, legal, and convenient location to cross the road and pull up parallel against the right-hand kerb.
- Control vehicle speed at walking pace using the clutch biting point or footbrake in an automatic while steering accurately.
- Carry out continuous 360-degree observations and pause the manoeuvre immediately whenever any other road user approaches.
- Reverse straight back for approximately two car lengths, remaining parallel and within 20 to 30 cm of the right kerb.
- Carry out thorough all-round checks and blind-spot observations before signalling and moving off safely to rejoin normal traffic.
Highway Code: Parking at night (rule 239)
You must not park facing against the direction of traffic flow at night unless in a recognised parking space. Daylight parking on the right is legal where safe and unrestricted.
Highway Code: Driving on the left (rule 160)
Always drive on the left except when overtaking, turning right, or completing an approved manoeuvre such as pulling up on the right.
Highway Code: Reversing safely (rules 202 and 203)
Check all around before reversing and while reversing. Look mainly through the rear window and do not reverse further or longer than necessary.
Highway Code: Waiting and parking restrictions
Do not stop or park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, near the brow of a hill, on bends, across driveways, or adjacent to bus stops.
- Tested as one of the four possible reversing manoeuvres on the DVSA practical driving test.
- Assessed under 'Reverse right - control' for accurate vehicle positioning, smooth clutch work, and kerb alignment.
- Assessed under 'Reverse right - observation' for continuous 360-degree visual scans, checking blind spots, and pausing for other road users.
- Assessed under 'Move off - safely' when rejoining the normal flow of traffic from the right-hand side of the road.
Skills: Hands, Feet, and Eyes for Pulling Up on the Right and Reversing
Executing this manoeuvre cleanly requires splitting it into three distinct phases: crossing to the right kerb, reversing straight back for two car lengths, and rejoining traffic. Take your time and keep your speed at a gentle walking pace.
Look well ahead to assess the road layout. Pick a straight stretch with clear visibility in both directions. Avoid stopping within 10 metres of a junction, on bends, near the crest of a hill, across active private driveways, at bus stops, or too close behind another parked vehicle. Ensure there is at least four car lengths of clear kerb space so you can complete both the stop and the reverse.
Apply Mirrors-Signal-Position-Speed-Look. Check interior mirror and right door mirror. Signal right if other road users are present or would benefit. Check oncoming traffic and traffic behind. If clear, steer smoothly across at a shallow, gradual angle towards the right kerb at low speed in 1st gear. If an oncoming car approaches, pause on your own side of the road until it has passed.
As your front wheels approach the right-hand kerb, steer gently left to bring the car parallel to the pavement, approximately 20 to 30 cm away from the kerb. Straighten your wheels, brake smoothly to a complete stop, apply the handbrake (parking brake), and select neutral (or Park in an automatic). Cancel your signal if it has not self-cancelled.
When the examiner asks you to reverse back for about two car lengths, press the clutch fully down and select reverse gear. Rest your right foot over the footbrake. Find the biting point gently on an incline so the car does not roll forwards. In an automatic, hold the footbrake firmly while selecting Reverse.
Before releasing the handbrake, carry out a complete all-round visual check: left blind spot, left door mirror, windscreen ahead, interior rear-view mirror, right door mirror, right shoulder, and direct view through the rear window. Confirm that no oncoming traffic, approaching pedestrians on the pavement, cyclists, or following vehicles are nearby.
Your Biggest Chance of Failing: Observation
Reversing slightly crooked, or finishing a little way out from the kerb, will not fail your test; those are minor faults at most.
The biggest chance of failing this manoeuvre is observation: not carrying out the comprehensive six-point blind spot and mirror check and thorough 360-degree observations before and while you reverse.
Release the handbrake and move backwards at a slow walking pace using micro-clutch adjustments. Look predominantly out of the rear window while glancing regularly into both door mirrors and ahead. Use your right door mirror and rear window view to maintain a constant 20 to 30 cm distance from the right kerb. Make small steering corrections: steer towards the kerb (right) if drifting away, or steer towards the road (left) if getting too close. If any road user approaches from any direction, stop and wait.
After reversing approximately two car lengths, bring the car smoothly to a stop, apply the handbrake, and select 1st gear (or Drive). Check your full 360-degree perimeter, paying particular attention to oncoming traffic ahead, traffic approaching from behind in the opposite lane, and your left-side blind spot. Indicate left if anyone is nearby, release the handbrake, and smoothly steer back into the left lane when completely safe.
Your Biggest Chance of Failing: Observation
Being slightly crooked or finishing a little way out from the kerb will not fail your test; those inaccuracies are minor faults at most.
The biggest chance of failing this manoeuvre is not carrying out the comprehensive six-point blind spot and mirror check and full 360-degree observations before moving off, especially checking your left blind spot, oncoming traffic ahead, and traffic approaching from behind.
Quiet Road and Visualization Drill: The Three-Phase Reversing Routine
Practise this step-by-step procedure with your driving instructor on a wide, quiet residential road with good sightlines and minimal parked vehicles.
Practice Steps
Core Essentials & Examiner Criteria
What you must get right every time, paired with what the driving examiner marks on your practical test.
What You Must Get Right
Always choose a safe, legal, and convenient location with good forward visibility, clear of junctions, bends, crests, and driveways.
Remember that you have zero priority when crossing the carriageway: yield to oncoming traffic and vehicles approaching from behind.
Cross to the right kerb at a shallow angle rather than swerving sharply, and straighten parallel within 20 to 30 cm of the kerb.
Maintain slow walking speed throughout the reverse using fine clutch control in a manual or gentle footbrake modulation in an automatic.
Carry out continuous 360-degree observations and pause the manoeuvre immediately if any vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian approaches.
Perform a thorough all-round check including your left blind spot before indicating and moving off to rejoin your normal driving lane.
What the Examiner Looks For
Selection of an appropriate, safe, and legal stopping position with clear vision in both directions.
Effective mirror checks and accurate signalling without misleading other road users.
Full control of vehicle speed at walking pace using the clutch biting point or footbrake.
Accurate positioning parallel to the right-hand kerb, remaining between 20 and 30 cm without striking or mounting the kerb.
Continuous 360-degree all-round observation throughout the reverse and prompt pausing for any other road users.
Common Mistakes, Test Failures & Safety Tips
Understand how small slips become driving test faults, and how to keep every manoeuvre safe.
Common Learner Mistakes
Reversing across the middle of the road
Failing to keep the car parallel to the right-hand kerb and drifting across the centre line into oncoming traffic lanes while reversing.
Steering too late or over-correcting
Applying large, sudden steering wheel movements instead of small, early adjustments, causing the vehicle to zig-zag or veer towards the kerb.
Poor or tunnelled observation
Fixating purely on the right door mirror or rear window while failing to check ahead, to the left, or into blind spots for approaching traffic.
Striking or mounting the pavement
Approaching the right kerb too steeply or misjudging tyre distance while reversing, causing the wheel to bump hard against the kerb.
Essential Safety Tips
Expect other drivers to be surprised
Drivers do not commonly expect a vehicle to be parked facing them on their side of the road. Ensure your intentions are crystal clear, avoid unnecessary signals that might confuse, and be prepared to wait.
Watch for pedestrians crossing between cars
Pedestrians crossing from the pavement may look right first, expecting UK traffic from that direction, and might step off the kerb directly into your path without seeing you.
Automatic cars: feather the footbrake
In an automatic vehicle, the car creeps backwards the moment you release the footbrake. Keep your right foot resting gently on the brake pedal to regulate speed to a crawl.
Check your left blind spot before rejoining
When moving off from the right kerb, cars travelling on the left side of the road may be concealed in your left rear quarter blind spot. Always look over your left shoulder before pulling across.
Common Causes of Test Failure
How driving examiners categorise errors under the DVSA marking system:
Minor (Driving Faults)
Not potentially dangerous, but marked if repeated.
Slight hesitation before crossing the road
Waiting longer than necessary to cross when oncoming and following traffic lanes are completely clear.
Finishing slightly too far from the right kerb
Stopping the car around 40 to 45 cm from the kerb while maintaining full safety, control, and parallel alignment.
Serious Faults
Potentially dangerous; results in a test failure.
Failure to look all around before reversing
Selecting reverse gear and beginning to move backwards without conducting a thorough 360-degree visual scan.
Forcing an oncoming vehicle to brake or swerve
Crossing the road to pull up on the right or rejoining the left lane when an oncoming car has to slow down or alter course.
Dangerous Faults
Actual danger to you, examiner, or other road users.
Reversing towards a pedestrian or cyclist
Continuing to reverse while a pedestrian is crossing behind the car or a cyclist is filtering past, requiring examiner intervention.
Mounting the pavement during the manoeuvre
Driving or reversing up onto the pedestrian pavement, creating an immediate danger to members of the public.
Question 1: Why is pulling up on the right considered a higher-risk manoeuvre than stopping on the left?
Question 2: According to Highway Code Rule 239, when are you NOT permitted to park facing against the direction of traffic flow?
Question 3: What is the recommended target distance between your car tyres and the right-hand kerb when stopping?
Question 4: What should you do if an oncoming vehicle approaches while you are preparing to cross to the right kerb?
Question 5: What should you do if another vehicle approaches while you are reversing along the right-hand kerb?
Question 6: Which steering action will move the rear of your car closer to the right-hand kerb while reversing?
Question 7: What visual check is especially critical immediately before moving off from the right kerb to rejoin traffic?
Question 8: How far are you expected to reverse during this manoeuvre on the DVSA driving test?
Question 9: Why should you cross the road at a shallow angle rather than a sharp 90-degree turn?
Question 10: In an automatic vehicle, how should you control your speed while reversing along the kerb?
Question 11: Where should you avoid pulling up when asked to perform this manoeuvre?
Question 12: What is the main danger regarding pedestrians when you are parked facing the wrong way on the right?
Question 13: What serious fault could an examiner record if you touch the kerb during this manoeuvre?
Theory Test Topics for This Lesson
Reinforce what you have learned by practising official DVSA theory test revision questions.
Look out for red circular prohibitive signs including No Stopping (Clearway), No Waiting, and Urban Clearway signs that prohibit pulling up along that stretch of road.
Practice on GOV.UKEnsure you never carry out this manoeuvre within 10 metres of any junction, roundabout, or marked pedestrian crossing.
Practice on GOV.UKRevise Highway Code rules regarding parking facing against traffic flow at night (Rule 239) and the regulations governing reversing safely (Rules 202 and 203).
Practice on GOV.UK