Reversing a minibus with a trailer is the skill that most D1+E candidates find most challenging. Unlike reversing a vehicle on its own, the trailer initially moves in the opposite direction to the steering input — a counterintuitive response that takes time and practice to master. This guide explains the key techniques for reversing safely and accurately.
Understanding How a Trailer Responds
When you steer left while reversing, the trailer moves right. When you steer right, the trailer moves left. This is the opposite of what most drivers expect. The key is to make small, early steering inputs and to correct the trailer's direction before it gets too far off course. Large, late corrections cause the trailer to jackknife.
Set Up Straight Before You Start
Before beginning the reversing exercise, position the minibus and trailer in a straight line. Starting straight gives you the best chance of controlling the trailer's direction from the outset. If you start at an angle, the trailer will immediately begin to deviate, making the exercise harder.
Use Your Mirrors Constantly
During reversing, your mirrors are your primary source of information about the trailer's position. Check both mirrors frequently — every two to three seconds — to monitor the trailer's angle relative to the minibus. Do not rely on looking over your shoulder; the trailer is too long to assess accurately from the cab.
Steer Slowly and Early
The most common mistake is steering too much, too late. Make small steering inputs and observe the effect in your mirrors before making further adjustments. If you see the trailer beginning to deviate, correct it immediately with a small input in the opposite direction. Early, small corrections are far more effective than large, late ones.
Take Shunts When You Need Them
If the trailer gets too far off course, do not try to recover it by steering further — this will make the situation worse. Instead, pull forward (shunt) to straighten the combination, then begin the reversing manoeuvre again. The DVSA examiner allows shunts during the reversing exercise; using them is not a fault, provided they are used appropriately.
Avoid Oversteering
Oversteering is the most common cause of jackknifing. If you steer too much in one direction, the trailer will swing rapidly to the other side. If this happens, stop immediately, pull forward, and start again. Never try to correct a jackknife by steering further.
Practise Until It Feels Natural
Reversing with a trailer is a skill that improves rapidly with practice. Most candidates who struggle initially find that after two or three hours of focused practice, the technique becomes much more instinctive. GS Driver Training's D1+E courses include dedicated reversing practice sessions to build your confidence before the test.
