Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can.
Advice, not law. This rule is not written in capitals, so breaking it is not an offence in itself — but it can still be used in evidence in court to establish liability. The rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are the ones backed by law.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Car
- You're driving on a busy main road. What should you do if you find that you're driving in the wrong direction? Rules of the road
- How far are you allowed to reverse? Rules of the road
- You want to reverse into a side road. What should you do if you’re not sure that the area behind your car is clear? Vulnerable road users
- Why could it be dangerous to reverse from a side road into a main road? Rules of the road
- You're about to reverse into a side road. What should you do if a pedestrian is waiting to cross behind your car? Vulnerable road users