by Russ_H » Thu Aug 05, 2010 5:38 pm
Instructors tend to use their own systems for manoeuvring. Such a system will usually work if the candidate actually follows it.
A typical system would involve the use of reference points. As an example, I'll describe a left reverse. The
examiner will stop the candidate before the side road, and will give instructions.
1) Candidate drives past opening and stops. Aim to stop about a drain's width from the kerb. Not too wide.
2) Reverse, slowly, having carried out all round observation, and whilst looking backwards, until the kerb in the side road is visible in the bottom left corner of the rear side window. Take all round observation before turning the wheel. Apply one full turn of the steering wheel, to the left.
3) Continue reversing slowly. It is acceptable to use the nearside door mirror to assess distance from kerb, but not to stare in it. Adjust steering as necessary to maintain an even distance from the kerb.
4) Look through back window for kerb. Before the car is parallel with the kerb, remove steering.
5) Continue reversing, using a reference point of some kind to maintain a constant distance from kerb. The reference point might be some feature of the car, or might be a letter in the sticker that dealers usually put in the back windows of cars.
6) Take all round observation several times during the manoeuvre. Be prepared to give way, if necessary.
This is surprisingly difficult to describe in words. Other posters will probably make a better job of it than me. The system will need to be adjusted for the car in use, especially the turning point reference. Slow speeds make manoeuvres much easier. Observation must be maintained. By observation, I mean looking in the direction of travel, together with all round checks. Do not allow your daughter to stare forwards during the exercise, and do not allow her to stare in the nearside door mirror.
You might like to give this a try, and report back. If it's still not working, I'll try to make some more suggestions. I'll also try to describe a system for reverse parking.