Turning and indicating

By the end of this topic you can

• You can signal early and for long enough for each manoeuvre.
• You can take the correct position for left and right turns.
• You can decide where a U-turn is legal and safe.
• You can carry out a three-point turn safely.

What you need to know and understand

• You must signal to turn, change lanes, diverge, pull in or out from the kerb, make a U-turn or three-point turn, and leave a roundabout when practicable.
• Signal long enough to give others enough warning. When moving off from the side of the road, signal for at least 5 seconds.
• Cancel the signal as soon as you finish changing direction.
• A signal does not give you right of way. You must still give way.
• If your indicators do not work, you must use hand signals for turning right, stopping or slowing suddenly.
• You must not U-turn across a continuous dividing line, on a one-way road, at traffic lights without a U-turn Permitted sign, or where a No U-turn sign applies.

Turning position

• Left turn on a single-lane road: start as near as practicable to the far left side.
• Right turn on a two-way road: approach just left of the centre line, then pass just to the right of the centre of the intersection.
• Right turn from a one-way road: start as near as practicable to the far right side.
• Multi-lane road: use the lane and arrows that match your direction, and follow any broken guide lines through the intersection.

A turning routine

1. Decide your direction early.
2. Check mirrors and blind spot.
3. Signal before you slow down, giving others enough warning.
4. Move into the correct position before the intersection.
5. Slow to a safe speed and give way as required, including to pedestrians in the road you are entering.
6. Turn smoothly, then cancel the signal.

U-turns and three-point turns

You may only start a U-turn if you have a clear view of approaching traffic and can complete it without unreasonably blocking traffic. You must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians. On a road with a dividing line or median strip, start from the lane closest to the middle.

The same rules apply to three-point turns, which use forward and reverse gears when the road is too narrow for a U-turn. In heavy traffic, it is often safer to drive around the block.

Common mistakes

• Signalling too late, after you have already started braking or turning.
• Signalling too early, so others think you are turning into an earlier street or driveway.
• Leaving the indicator on after a turn or lane change.
• Cutting across the corner when turning right.
• Doing a U-turn where a No U-turn sign or continuous line applies.

Test yourself: Turning and indicating

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

Go deeper

• Turning and Indicating Rules in Australia