Turning

Turning left

Use the MSM/PSL routine on approach.

Road position

Your road position should be well to the left.

Speed on approach

Left turns into minor roads are often sharper than right turns.

Make sure you

• slow down sufficiently
• select the correct gear

or you could swing wide of the corner and finish up on the wrong side of the road.

Other vehicles

Watch out for vehicles

• stopping to park, or parked, just before a left-hand junction
• parked around the corner and close to the junction
• approaching in the side road.

Pedestrians and cyclists

You should

• give way to pedestrians already crossing when you turn – they have priority
• keep a special lookout for cyclists coming up on your left
• take special care when crossing a cycle track, bus lane or cycle lane
• hold back and allow a cyclist to clear the junction before you turn. Don’t overtake and then immediately turn across their path.

Avoid steering too early or too sharply; your nearside rear wheel might mount the kerb.

After the turn

• Check in your mirrors so you know what’s following you on the new road.
• If it’s safe to do so, increase your speed as you leave the junction.
• Make sure your signal has cancelled.

Turning right

Use the MSM/PSL routine on approach.

Road position

• Move into position early before turning right. It helps other drivers know what you intend to do.
• Position yourself as close to the centre of the road as is safe, so that vehicles can pass on your left if there’s room. Take into account any parked vehicles or obstructions on the right-hand side of the road.
• In a one-way street, move to the right-hand side of the road when appropriate.

Speed of approach

• Adjust your speed in good time.
• Approach at a safe speed.

Oncoming traffic

• Watch out for oncoming traffic, especially motorcycles and bicycles, which are less easily seen.
• Watch particularly for vehicles overtaking oncoming traffic.
• Stop before you turn if you have any doubt about being able to cross safely.

Emerging vehicles

• Watch for vehicles waiting to emerge from the minor road.

Pedestrians

• Give way to pedestrians already crossing the minor road. They have priority.

Obstructions

• Look carefully for anything that could prevent you entering the minor road safely and leave you exposed on the wrong side of the road.
• You MUST NOT cross to the other side of the centre line until you’re sure you can enter the minor road safely.

Turning

Check your mirrors for overtaking traffic one final time before you turn. Don’t

• cut the corner
• accelerate fiercely. Your engine should be just pulling as you turn.

Missed turn

If you miss a turning, don’t cause a problem by stopping suddenly. Go past the junction and turn round at the next safe opportunity.