Proper right, left, and U-turns just takes practice. When turning, always remember to turn your turn signal, slow down, and check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians. When making U-turns, be sure to check traffic signs to see if they are allowed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Turn Right
Step 1. Turn on the turn signal
Turn it on 100 feet (30 meters) or one block before you turn around. As you approach the turn, drive closer to the right side of the road. This will signal to the cars that you are preparing to turn around.
Step 2. Reduce speed to 16 or 24 km / h (10 or 15 mph)
Do this by placing your foot on the brake pedal. As you slow down, look in your rearview mirror and to the right side to see if the cars behind you are slowing down.
If you notice that the cars behind you are not slowing down, step on the brake pedal a couple of times to indicate that you are braking
Step 3. Check for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other vehicles
Do this by looking at the mirror on the right side and looking back over your right shoulder. Once the path is clear, turn to the right by turning the steering wheel in that direction.
Our expert recommends:
The most important thing to do when making a U-turn is to look everywhere. Look to the left behind you and over your right shoulder before turning, and check the rear view mirror when you complete it.
Step 4. Turn into the right lane
Do not turn into the left lane on a two-lane street. Try to turn as narrow as possible without hitting the curb. In other words, don't take a hasty, wide turn. Turning wide can cause you to get into lanes of oncoming traffic.
Do not turn right from the left lane
Method 2 of 3: Turn Left
Step 1. Pay attention to traffic signs
It is recommended that you do so because turning to the left is not always allowed. If you see a sign that says it is illegal to turn left, then keep driving until you can.
For example, some traffic lights and intersections prohibit left turns
Step 2. Turn on the turn signal
Do this at least 100 feet (30 meters) before turning. As you approach the turn, slow down to 10-15 mph (16-24 km / h) by stepping on the brake pedal. Get as close as you can to the center line or midline.
- Use the left center lane if available to turn left.
- Don't try to turn left from the right lane.
Step 3. Come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic
As you yield, keep the wheels straight by holding the steering wheel straight. If the wheels are turned slightly to the left while you wait, you may be pushed into oncoming traffic if a car hits you from behind.
Step 4. Turn left when the oncoming lanes are clear
As a general rule of thumb, don't turn around if oncoming vehicles are less than 200 feet (60 meters) away. Once the lanes are clear, you can turn into the left or right lane if it is a two-lane street.
If you turn onto a one-lane street, be sure not to cut off the corner of the lane of oncoming traffic. In other words, don't turn to the left too narrowly
Method 3 of 3: U-turn
Step 1. Check for signs prohibiting U-turns
You will likely be able to make a U-turn only if you are crossing a double yellow line, if there is a “U-turn only” sign, if you are in a residential area, and if you are in the far left lane and there is no sign that prohibits such returns.
You can also make a U-turn on a divided highway if there is an opening in the center divider, and the opening is not reserved for law enforcement or emergency vehicles
Step 2. Turn on the left signal and slow down
As you approach the turn, get as close to the center line of the street as possible and come to a complete stop. Watch the traffic and check for oncoming vehicles and motorcycles, as well as pedestrians and bicycles.
- Oncoming vehicles must be more than 60 meters (200 feet) away before making a U-turn.
- Do not make a U-turn from the right lane.
Step 3. Turn the steering wheel to the left as far as you can
Do this to prepare for the U-turn. Once the lanes are clear, accelerate slightly and let the steering wheel adjust itself to a straight position. Then turn into the left lane.
Don't turn into the far right lane
Step 4. Avoid making U-turns illegally
U-turns are prohibited when there is no “No U-Turn” sign, when you are on a one-way street, and when you cannot see more than 60 meters (200 feet) in any direction (due to hills, curves, rain, snow, fog and other obstacles).