If you need to reverse your vehicle, what is the first step you should take?

Before reversing a vehicle, it is essential to check your surroundings and ensure it is safe to do so. This initial step involves looking for any potential hazards such as pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, or obstacles that may not be visible from your mirrors. By assessing the entire environment around your vehicle, you can make a safe and informed decision before proceeding. This precaution significantly reduces the risk of accidents while reversing and ensures the safety of all road users.

Other options, such as only using side mirrors or revving the engine, would not provide the comprehensive awareness needed to safely reverse. Signaling to other drivers might be useful, but it does not replace the vital step of thoroughly checking the area around your vehicle before moving.