the driver's handbook

Reversing
• You must not reverse unless it is safe to do so.
• You must not reverse any further than necessary.
When you reverse:
• always drive slowly and carefully
• always check in all directions before starting to reverse,
particularly behind your vehicle. If necessary, get out and walk
to the rear to ensure there is no obstruction or danger not
visible from the driver’s seat e.g. a child
• do not start reversing if there are pedestrians behind your
vehicle or about to walk behind it. If necessary, sound your
horn to warn pedestrians
• always look in the direction you are intending to reverse before
beginning to move and continue looking in that direction while
reversing, with occasional brief checks in all other directions.
Use direct vision whenever possible – only use mirrors when
direct vision is not possible.
Driving on footpaths
You must not ride or drive on a footpath except to enter or
leave, by the shortest practicable route, adjacent property or a
road-related area. When crossing a road-related area to enter
or leave a road you must give way to any vehicle on the road,
any pedestrian on the road and any other vehicle ahead of the
driver’s vehicle or approaching from the left or right. Watch out
for bicycle riders – there are some who are permitted to ride on
footpaths.
Driving on a traffic island
You cannot drive on a traffic island or median.
Driving on a median strip
You must drive to the left of a median strip unless you are entering or
leaving a median strip parking area or you are required to drive to the
right of the median strip by a keep right sign.
Driving on a dividing strip
You must not drive on a dividing strip that is above the level of the
road except:
• to avoid an obstruction
• it is reasonable and necessary to drive on the dividing strip and
• you have a clear view of the road.
You may drive on a dividing strip that is at the same level as the road
and marked on each side by a single continuous line to enter or leave a
road or to enter an area in the dividing strip where parking is permitted.
Driving on a painted island
You must not drive over a painted island however, you may drive on or
over a single continuous line surrounding a painted island for up to 50
metres to enter or leave a road or to enter a turning lane that begins
at the end of the painted island. However, you must give way to any
vehicle that is in the turning lane or entering the turning lane from
the marked lane or line of traffic immediately to the left of the
turning lane.
The Driver’s Handbook 51