Full🔙 Backing
The DMV's maneuver record grades backing in its own words: 'looks at mirrors, looks over both shoulders, uses brake and accelerator well, controls vehicle while driving in reverse, backs vehicle smoothly in a straight line without weaving.' It even warns learners not to practice on a street with traffic — find a lot. This is the maneuver that shows the examiner whether reverse is under your control.
What the examiner is watching for
- ✓Mirrors checked AND head turned over both shoulders
- ✓Smooth brake-and-accelerator work at a crawl
- ✓A straight track without weaving
- ✓Full control the whole way — no lunges, no drift
Step by step
- 1Practice in an empty lot — the DMV's own form says not to practice backing on a street with traffic.
- 2Shift to reverse, check mirrors, then turn and look over both shoulders.
- 3Creep backward with the brake covered, eyes out the rear window.
- 4Hold the line with small steering corrections and stop smoothly.
Mistakes that cost points
- ✗Backing on mirrors alone — the form lists both shoulders by name
- ✗Weaving from over-correction — the exact fault the form names
- ✗Speed above a walking pace
- ✗Finishing angled instead of straight
The other 5 skills VA grades
FullPass is an independent study aid. Road-test guidance is written from official DMV test requirements; your examiner and the Department of Motor Vehicles remain the final authority.