Generating control effort to control an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) includes determining a direction (forward or reverse) in which the ADV is driving and selecting a driving model and a predictive model based upon the direction. In a forward direction, the driving model is a dynamic model, such as a “bicycle model,” and the predictive model is a look-ahead model. In a reverse direction, the driving model is a hybrid dynamic and kinematic model and the predictive model is a look-back model. Current and predicted lateral error and heading error are determined using the driving model and predictive model, respectively. A linear quadratic regulator (LQR) uses the current and predicted lateral error and heading errors to determine a first control effort An augmented control logic determines a second, additional, control effort, to determine a final control effort that is output to a control module to drive the ADV.