Juddian:
The reverse in it current form is about as much use to a trainee/new driver as a chocolate teapot would be to a busy cafe.
Its one exercise that bears almost no relation to what the driver will face when they go out on their own.
You’re not wrong. Even after years of gently (mostly) touching the bay buffers I usually get out and look to see where the arse end is if I’m parking against a fence.
Much better idea than guessing where it is in relation to a set of cones.
Should be part of the test.
“When reversing, what do you do if you notice a load of lamp posts at an angle?”
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Aim for the one that isn’t at an angle, because transport managers like everything to match.
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Keep going until you feel a bump.
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Get out to have a look.
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Reverse until you see a post wobble, then pull forward, leaving enough room for your end of shift walk-around.
Still think testing uncoupling is a good idea, mind. I didn’t get tested and nearly killed myself by pulling the pin first on a slope on my first week out. Still gives me the cold sweats today. Got saved by a mud bank. An inch more and I wouldn’t be writing this.