Study for the South Carolina Driver's Permit Test. Prepare with competitive quizzes and multiple choice questions. Understand key concepts to ensure a passing score. Get ready to hit the road!

Practice this question and more.


How should you steer when backing up?

  1. With both hands, while looking in the mirrors

  2. Steer with one hand, while looking through the rear window

  3. Using only the side mirrors

  4. With both hands, while looking at the back seat

The correct answer is: Steer with one hand, while looking through the rear window

When backing up, it is crucial to steer with one hand while looking through the rear window. This technique provides better visibility of the area directly behind the vehicle, allowing the driver to see any obstacles or pedestrians that may not be visible in the mirrors. Maintaining one hand on the steering wheel gives the driver more control over the vehicle’s direction while allowing them to focus on what’s happening behind. Using both hands may limit head movement and make it harder to turn and view directly through the rear window, which is an essential part of the backing-up process. Relying solely on mirrors can lead to blind spots and inadequate awareness of the surroundings. Looking at the back seat does not allow for proper awareness of the environment behind the vehicle, compromising safety while reversing. Therefore, using one hand and prioritizing a direct view through the rear window is the most effective method for steering while backing up.