U-turns and three-point turns
Sometimes you need to turn around and go back the way you came. A U-turn does it in one sweep; a three-point turn uses forward and reverse moves when the road is too narrow.
Both manoeuvres put your car across the path of traffic, so the rules focus on a clear view and not getting in anyone's way. The rules below are in the NSW handbook and reflect the national road rules used across Australia.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can tell where a U-turn is and is not allowed.
- You can perform a U-turn safely from the correct position.
- You can perform a three-point turn with full observation.
- You can decide when it is safer to drive around the block instead.
What you need to know and understand
- You must not U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights where a No U-turn sign is shown.
- You must not U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights unless a U-turn permitted sign is shown.
- You must not U-turn across a single or double continuous dividing line, or across double lines where the continuous line is nearer to you.
- You must not U-turn on a motorway or freeway.
- You must have a clear view of approaching traffic, start from the lane nearest the centre (or left of centre if there are no lane markings), indicate, and give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.
- A three-point turn is for roads too narrow for a U-turn. On busy roads it is often safer to drive around the block or use a roundabout.
Making a U-turn
- Choose a place where it is legal and you can see a long way in both directions.
- Move into the lane nearest the centre of the road, or just left of centre if there are no lane lines.
- Indicate right and stop if needed.
- Check mirrors and your right blind spot, then look both ways for traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.
- When there is a big enough gap in both directions, turn in one smooth movement without obstructing anyone.
- Straighten up in the correct lane, cancel the indicator if needed, and check your mirrors.
Making a three-point turn
Keep the car slow throughout. Turn the wheel while the car is moving slowly rather than when stopped, and avoid touching the kerb. You may need more than three moves on a very narrow road; that is fine as long as each move is safe.
- Pull over to the left kerb and stop, signalling left as you pull over.
- Signal right, check mirrors and blind spots, and look both ways.
- Move off slowly, steering full right, and stop just before the opposite kerb.
- Look both ways along the road, select reverse, and look in the direction you will travel before and while reversing, steering full left.
- Stop before the original kerb, look both ways again, then select drive or first gear and move off, steering to straighten up.
Choosing the right option
- Quiet, wide street with a clear view: a U-turn may be fine.
- Narrow quiet street: a three-point turn.
- Busy road, near a crest or bend, or poor visibility: drive around the block or use a roundabout.
- Traffic lights with no U-turn permitted sign: do not U-turn there.
Common mistakes
- U-turning at traffic lights without a U-turn permitted sign. It is illegal unless the sign is there.
- Starting a U-turn from the left lane of a multi-lane road. Start from the lane nearest the centre.
- Choosing a spot near a bend or crest. You need a clear view of approaching traffic.
- Forgetting to look the way you are reversing in a three-point turn.
- Hitting the kerb because you are moving too fast. Go slowly and stop before the kerb.
Test yourself: U-turns and three-point turns
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Transport for NSW Road User Handbook (February 2026), U-turns and three-point turns; Indicating; Road to Solo Driving (Victoria), Three point turn; Australian Road Rules (national model rules), U-turn rules. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.