Turning

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Turning Basics

When teens start driving, they can have difficulty making precise turns. In part, this is due to inexperience. It may also be related to teen difficulty in judging distance, location and speed.

Make sure your teen practices and can demonstrate precision right and left turns. As you practice, teach your teen the following technique:

• Stop at intersections at the legal stop line. If there is no line, then stop at the crosswalk/sidewalk. If there is no crosswalk/sidewalk, then stop before the imaginary line extending from the stop sign.
• ALWAYS look to the left, to the front, to the right, and then to the left again before entering any intersection.
• Make ALL turns from the nearest legal lane into the nearest legal lane.
• Remember to use turn signals to tell other drivers your intent to turn, pull over, or pull out from the side of the road.

Right Turns With a Required Stop

Help your teen practice the following approach to right turns with a required stop:

• Signal, check your mirrors and check your blind spot.
• Use controlled braking and allow enough space on the right to avoid hitting the curb when turning. A good rule is to allow approximately 3 feet from the right edge of the roadway.
• Be careful not to drive in parking spaces or bike lanes.
• Stop and search the intersection for vehicles, pedestrians and potential hazards. Turn your head in the direction of the turn before turning the steering wheel.
• Use light acceleration and begin to turn when the dashboard is aligned with the curb.
• Straighten the car and gradually accelerate to the proper speed.
• Check your rearview mirror.

Left Turns With a Required Stop

Help your teen practice the following approach to left turns with a required stop:

• Signal, check your mirrors and check your blind spot
• Use controlled braking and approach in Lane Position 2.
• Stop at the legal point, which is the stop line, pedestrian cross walk, or imaginary line extending from stop sign.
• Search the intersection for vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards. Turn your head in the direction of the turn before turning the steering wheel.
• Use light acceleration and begin to turn when your line of sight (or view) to the center of your intended lane does not cut across the curb line. Use light acceleration and turn the steering wheel simultaneously.
• Straighten the car and gradually accelerate to the proper speed.
• Check your rearview mirror.

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