Are you planning to take your driver’s test and think your backup camera will help reversing and parking?
Most examiners require that every backup camera be shut down or even removed. They prefer learners use mirrors as the primary line of view to help them focus. Your camera is meant for backup when driving after passing your test.
Keep reading as we learn more about the backup camera and some tips to add on when reversing as a student driver.
Will the Examiner Allow Me to Use the Backup Camera on My Driver’s Test?
No. The examiner won’t let you use the camera; they can cover them or ask you to remove them. Some tasks, like the three-point turn and parallel parking, require you to use mirrors strictly.
Some examiners won’t cover the camera; they will tell you to avoid looking at it, and here you can demonstrate your skills of glancing at the mirrors and keeping calm, plus you can use a car that doesn’t have a camera.
It’s best to avoid the camera, and if you must use it, ensure it’s for minor corrections. Once you learn to use your mirrors correctly, it will be effortless with your backup camera in future driving.
If you fully depend on the camera, you might end up causing collisions which will build your driving anxiety.
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What Should I Do for Better Reversing in my Driver’s Test Without Using my Backup Camera?
1. Check Your Mirrors
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Mirrors are very important in driving, and checking them during your driving test will help in safe packing and earn you some points in the driver’s test scoring sheet.
The side mirrors will help you check if any curbs are approaching on both sides. Keep glancing in the mirrors since there can be emerging pedestrians or motorists.
The best part is most mirrors are adjustable, and you only need to tilt them to the right position before buckling up.
The rearview mirror helps you keep off the hazards and prevent you from hitting other cars. Check it every five to eight minutes to ensure you get what’s on the road.
Before hitting the road, remember to ensure that the mirrors are in the right condition and repair any broken ones.
2. Shoulder Checks
Remember to perform shoulder checks when driving during your test, which will earn you marks. At first, you may find it hard to multitask between checking the mirrors, shoulder checking, and keeping your eyes on the road.
Shoulder checking involves turning your head 90 degrees in the direction you are moving to.
The check increases your view angle; for adults, it increases the peripheral vision to 180 degrees, which helps detect light and movement beyond 90 degrees.
You should take a second or less to look over the shoulder, and you won’t interfere with checking the rearview mirror, speedometer, side mirrors, or even the gauge.
With an added peripheral vision that comes with shoulder checking, it’s easier to eliminate blind spots when parking or reversing your car during your driver’s test.
3. Move Slowly
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Take your time when parking during your driver’s test. Your examiner won’t reward you for fast parallel parking or reversing; they will check your accuracy and skill levels.
Slowing down makes it easier to tell when you are neat and curb and gives you enough time to react when you are getting too close to something. Check out our article on how to reverse park for easy steps.
4. Eliminate Distractions
When parking, you must keep off any distractions and focus on parking your car for better results in your test, or you may earn a failure.
There are several accidents associated with distracted driving. Ensure you put off your phone or put it on flight mode during your test to ensure you keep your eyes on the road.
Your examiner won’t allow you to use your phone. The risk of distracted driving increases in the parking lot with pedestrians.
It’s important to take your test when you don’t have distracting issues and your mind is settled for a successful test.
5. Adopt the See-Think-Do Strategy
When reversing and driving in your road test, you must keep focus to manoeuvre easily.
First, see and scan any hazards around you to create awareness by keeping your eyes active as you pay attention to the whole area to keep off potential hazards.
Secondly, you must think before taking a step. Ensure that the solution that runs through your mind will work and won’t affect others or cause accidents.
Lastly, implement your deep and swift thought action to keep you safe when reversing. Remember, you are in control, and whatever step you make determines what will happen on the road.
Can I Use the Rear Camera in my Driving Test in New York?
Unfortunately, no. your examiner will advise you to put off the camera or even cover it. For the driver’s test, they prefer the old-school way of using mirrors as it keeps you active when driving or reversing.
Mirrors will help you manoeuvre easily even when the backup camera isn’t working. Imagine if your examiner allowed you to use the camera when backing, and you get a car that doesn’t have a camera. Will you start enrolling in new classes to learn using mirrors?
You will easily use the camera after the driver’s test when you get the concept of using mirrors, checking the back window, and over the shoulder.
When Should I Use the Backup Camera?
After passing your driver’s test, you can freely use the camera and not rely solely on it since it may fail you. Remember to practice using your mirrors too.
Final Thoughts
You aren’t allowed to use your backup camera during your driver’s test in New York. Most examiners will request you to turn it off, especially with demanding skills like parallel parking and the three-point turn.
Additionally, practice shoulder checking as it helps increase the view area when packing. With more practice, you will have effortless reverse parking.