The car is partway into the space when another vehicle approaches from behind.
You are reversing. Who goes first?
Reversing is a special manoeuvre. RVV 1990 Article 54 requires you to let other traffic go first, including vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind, ahead or the side. Reversing lights and having begun the manoeuvre do not confer priority.
What to do as soon as someone approaches
Stop the vehicle in control. Observe the approaching car, cyclists, pedestrians and the space you occupy. Keep the brakes applied while you assess whether the person can pass or is waiting. If you need to adjust the car forward, check that forward space as a separate movement. Never reverse again based only on a mirror check taken before the other road user arrived.
What if they stop and let you finish?
A driver may wave you on, but you still need to make sure the whole manoeuvre is safe and other traffic is clear. Verify whether there is another cyclist behind the waiting car or a pedestrian between parked vehicles. If the road is congested and you cannot finish without unacceptable hindrance, pause or abandon that parking place when safe.
How to practise the interruption
Have your instructor stop you halfway through a reverse-park exercise and introduce a hypothetical cyclist or arriving car. Reassess the traffic, decide whether to wait, proceed or reposition, and check again whenever the movement direction changes. The goal is not to park quickly; it is to stay responsible for the surrounding road throughout.
Assessment: CBR Rijprocedure B, special manoeuvres.
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