Turning around

There are three methods of turning around

• using a side road
• turning in the road
• making a U-turn.

It’s usually safest to use a side road. Alternatively, you could drive round a block of side streets.

On narrow or busy roads

It’s normally safer to

• find a side road on the left or right, and use a turning off that road into which you can reverse
• go into the side road and use forward and reverse gears to turn around.

Remember also

• never to reverse into a main road from a side road
• to make sure it’s safe to reverse, even if that means getting help
• not to reverse for a long distance, for your own safety and for that of other people. It’s an offence to reverse further than necessary
• to always be ready to give way and stop.

Driveways

Another place you may need to reverse is when you’re using your driveway.

You should reverse into your driveway, so you can drive out forwards onto the road.

If you need to turn around, don’t use other people’s driveways. You should drive on until you find a suitable side street.

Reversing into a side road on the left

After selecting a safe side road, use the Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM) routine as you approach the corner.

If a signal is necessary, don’t indicate too early that you intend to pull up on the left after the corner. You could mislead the traffic behind you or anyone waiting to emerge. Your brake lights will tell the traffic behind you that you’re slowing down.

Stop your vehicle reasonably close to the kerb and parallel to it. The sharper the corner, the further away from the kerb you need to be. Apply the parking brake and select neutral.

Observation and starting the manoeuvre

Turn slightly in your seat. You’ll find control easier.

Assess the position of your vehicle in relation to the kerb through the rear window. When you’ve finished reversing into the side road, the vehicle should be the same distance from the kerb as when you started.

Select reverse gear. Set the engine revs to a steady hum. Bring the clutch pedal to the biting point and check all round.

When you’re sure it’s safe, start reversing.

As a general rule

Keep the clutch pedal at, or near, the biting point. Keep the vehicle moving slowly enough by making proper use of the accelerator, clutch and brakes. The combination of controls you use will depend on the slope of the road.

You should relate the position of the rear nearside wheel (just behind the back seat on most cars) to the edge of the kerb. Try to keep that wheel parallel to the kerb.

Start to turn left as the rear wheels reach the beginning of the corner. As a general guide, you should be able to follow the kerb as it disappears from view in the back window and reappears in the side window.

The amount of steering needed depends on how sharp the corner is. Remember to keep the vehicle moving slowly.

Continuous observation

Keep a good lookout throughout, but particularly before you start to turn. The front of your vehicle will swing out as you turn, and it’s at this point that it will present the greatest hazard to any passing traffic.

Remember to check all blind spots before you start to turn. If any other road users are likely to be affected by your actions, pause until it’s safe to continue.

Completing the manoeuvre

When you begin to see into the side road, be ready to straighten up the wheels.

Where there’s a kerb in the new road, you can use the kerb to help you determine when to straighten up.

Try to keep the vehicle about the same distance from the kerb as when you started, and parallel to it.

Reversing into a side road on the right

A useful manoeuvre where

• there isn’t a side road on the left
• you can’t see through the rear window
• your view to the sides is restricted – for example, in a van or a loaded estate car.

It actually involves two manoeuvres.

Moving to the other side of the road after passing the junction

For this part of the manoeuvre you’ll need to make

• full use of your mirrors
• a proper judgement of position and speed
• a proper assessment of the side road as you pass it.

Reversing into the side road itself

When doing this you’ll need to

• stop your vehicle reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb – the sharper the turn, the further out you’ll need to be
• sit so that you have a good view over your right shoulder and are still able to see forward and to the left.

All-round observation is even more important on a right-hand reverse because you’re on the wrong side of the road, in the path of oncoming traffic.

• When you’re sure it’s safe, start reversing. Don’t rush, but keep the vehicle moving by using the controls as for a left-hand reverse.
• It’s easier to judge your distance from the kerb because you can look directly at it.
• Make sure that you reverse far enough back so that you can join the lefthand side of the road before emerging.

Throughout the manoeuvre, keep a good lookout for other road users, particularly

• pedestrians about to cross behind you
• cyclists and motorcyclists
• vehicles approaching from any direction.

Turning in the road

You’ll find this manoeuvre useful for turning when you can’t find a side road or an opening.

Keep the vehicle moving slowly while steering briskly during this manoeuvre.

Close control of the clutch is essential.

Before you turn

Choose a place where

• you have plenty of room
• there’s no obstruction in the road or on the pavement.

Stop on the left. Avoid lampposts or trees near the kerb.

Select first gear and prepare to move.

Check all round, especially your blind spots. Give way to passing vehicles.

Turning across the road

Move forward slowly in first gear, turning your steering wheel briskly to full right lock. Your aim is to get the vehicle at a right angle across the road.

Just before you reach the opposite kerb, still moving slowly, begin to steer briskly to the left. Your wheels will then be ready to reverse left.

As you near the kerb, push the clutch pedal down and use the footbrake to stop. It may be necessary to use the parking brake to hold the vehicle if there’s a camber in the road.

To reverse

Select reverse gear.

Check the way is clear all round. Look through the rear window over your left shoulder to start with. Reverse slowly across the road, turning the steering wheel as far to the left as possible (full left lock).

Look round over your right shoulder as the vehicle nears the rear kerb. At the same time, turn your steering wheel briskly to the right.

Push the clutch pedal down and use the footbrake to stop.

Your wheels should be pointing to the right, ready to drive forward again.

To drive forward again

Apply the parking brake if necessary, and select first gear.

Check that the road is clear and drive forward when it’s safe to do so.

You might have to reverse again if the road is narrow or your vehicle is difficult to steer.

Straighten up on the left-hand side of the carriageway.

If your vehicle is likely to overhang the kerb at any point, first make sure there are no pedestrians nearby or any street furniture (lampposts, bins, signs) or trees that you might hit.

Making a U-turn

A U-turn means turning the car right round without any reversing.

You may have to cross lines of opposing traffic to complete a U-turn.

If you need to make a U-turn, consider carrying out the manoeuvre in a wide, quiet road or at a large roundabout. Avoid making a U-turn at a mini-roundabout.

Never make a U-turn

• on a motorway
• in a one-way street
• wherever a road sign forbids it.

Before making a U-turn

Always ask yourself

• Is it safe?
• Is it legal?
• Is it convenient?
• Is the road wide enough?

If in doubt, don’t attempt it.

Observation

Good all-round observation is particularly important before a U-turn.

It’s essential to check your blind spot just before starting to turn.

Be aware that other drivers won’t be expecting you to make a U-turn.

Avoid mounting the kerb.