Turning left
Turning left looks like the easy turn because you do not cross oncoming traffic. In fact it is where many drivers clip the kerb, swing wide or cut across a cyclist on their inside.
A good left turn is slow, well positioned and well observed, with special attention to the people on your left who are easiest to forget.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can plan a left turn with mirrors and signal in good time.
- You can keep a safe position close to the left without hitting the kerb.
- You can bring the car down to a speed and gear that suit the corner.
- You can check for cyclists and motorcyclists on your left before turning.
- You can give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into.
What you need to know and understand
- Keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable when turning left.
- Do not overtake just before you turn left.
- Give way to anyone using a bus lane, cycle lane, cycle track or tramway, from either direction, as you cross it.
- You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going straight ahead.
- Do not turn if it would make a cyclist going ahead stop or swerve.
- Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into.
Getting the approach right
- Check your interior and left door mirrors. Look for cyclists, motorcyclists and anyone filtering on your left.
- Signal left in good time, without confusing drivers at any earlier side road.
- Keep to your normal position, as close to the left as is safe and practicable. Do not swing out to the right first.
- Slow down early, then change down, usually to second gear. Finish braking before you start steering.
- Take a final left mirror check, and a glance over your left shoulder if a cyclist could be in your blind spot.
- Look into the new road for pedestrians, parked cars and anything coming out, then turn smoothly, following the curve of the kerb.
The people on your left
Cyclists going straight ahead have priority over you when you turn left across their path. This is part of the Highway Code changes made in January 2022. If a cyclist is alongside or coming up behind on your left, hold back and let them go first, even if it means waiting with your indicator on.
Pedestrians may already be crossing the side road, or waiting to cross. You should give way to them. Look into the new road early so you are not surprised by someone stepping out from behind a parked car.
Left turns near large vehicles
If you are behind a lorry or bus that is turning left, it may move out to the right first to get round the corner. Hang back and give it room rather than squeezing up its left side. If you are driving past a large vehicle that is indicating left, never try to pass it on the inside.
Common mistakes
- Swinging out to the right before turning left. Keep your position steady and steer at the right moment.
- Turning too fast and drifting wide into the new road. Brake in a straight line before the turn.
- Forgetting the final left mirror check. A cyclist can arrive in the seconds after your first check.
- Mounting or clipping the kerb by steering too early. Start turning when you reach the curve.
- Overtaking a cyclist and then turning left across them. If you cannot get well past, stay behind.
Test yourself: Turning left
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 182 and 183 (gov.uk); Highway Code rules H2 and H3 (gov.uk); Highway Code rules 170, 211 and 221 (gov.uk); DVSA Car and light van driving syllabus (category B), Unit 3. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.