Turning right

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use MSM and position just left of the centre of the road in good time.
• You can wait in a safe position with your wheels straight.
• You can judge a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
• You can find the point of turn and avoid cutting the corner.
• You can check for pedestrians and cyclists before you commit.

What you need to know and understand

• Check mirrors, signal right and position just left of the middle of the road, or in the space marked for right-turning traffic.
• Leave room for traffic to pass on your left if you can.
• Wait until there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
• Check for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users before turning.
• Do not cut the corner as you turn.
• When turning right across slow or queuing traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists coming up on the inside of that queue.

The routine for a right turn

1. Check your interior and right door mirrors, then signal right.
2. Move to a position just left of the centre line, or into a marked right-turn lane.
3. Slow down and select a suitable gear, usually second.
4. Look into the side road early for pedestrians, parked cars and vehicles waiting to come out.
5. If you must wait, stop just before the point of turn with your wheels pointing straight ahead.
6. When a safe gap appears, take a final check of your right mirror and blind spot, then turn.

Why your wheels stay straight

While you wait, keep the wheels pointing forward. If a vehicle runs into the back of you with your wheels already turned right, you could be pushed straight into oncoming traffic. With straight wheels, you would be pushed forward along your own side of the road instead.

The point of turn and the gap

The point of turn is roughly where the centre line of the side road would meet the centre of the road you are on. Turn when your car reaches it, so you enter the new road on the left side. Turning too early cuts the corner and puts you on the wrong side of the new road, right where a driver may be waiting to come out.

Judging the gap means thinking about the speed of oncoming traffic, not just its distance. If an oncoming vehicle would have to slow down or swerve, the gap is not safe. Remember that pedestrians crossing the mouth of the side road have priority once they have started to cross, so a gap in the traffic is no use if someone is on the crossing point.

• Do: keep looking at oncoming traffic and into the new road while you wait.
• Do: watch for motorcyclists overtaking on your right as you slow.
• Do not: creep forward over the centre line while waiting.
• Do not: turn across a queue just because a driver waves you through. A bike may be coming up the inside.

Common mistakes

• Positioning too late, or not near enough the centre. Move over early so traffic can pass on your left.
• Waiting with the wheels turned. Keep them straight until you go.
• Cutting the corner. Wait for the point of turn before steering.
• Rushing into a gap that is too small. If in doubt, wait.
• Forgetting the right blind-spot check. A motorbike may be overtaking you.

Test yourself: Turning right

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Junction Rules UK