Turn in the road (three-point turn)

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose a safe, legal place to turn round.
• You can control the car at very low speed going forwards and backwards.
• You can use full steering lock quickly while the car is moving slowly.
• You can check all around before and during each part of the turn.
• You can finish facing the other way, close to the left kerb, without touching either kerb.

What you need to know and understand

• Find a safe place to turn round; avoid busy roads and use a quiet side street or go round a block where possible.
• Look all around before each move, as the direction the car moves changes each time.
• Use full steering lock at slow speed rather than turning the wheel while stationary.
• Stop before touching the kerb; mounting or hitting it could damage the tyres or endanger pedestrians.
• Three moves is not compulsory; more moves on a narrow road is acceptable.
• Give way to other road users at every stage.

The turn, move by move

1. Pull up on the left in a quiet, wide enough road, away from parked cars, junctions and driveways.
2. Check all around, including both blind spots. Signal only if it would help someone.
3. Move forward slowly, steering briskly to full right lock. Look right and left as you go.
4. As you near the far kerb, steer briskly left and stop just before the kerb.
5. Apply the parking brake if needed, select reverse and look all around, especially over your left shoulder, where you are now heading.
6. Reverse slowly with full left lock. As you near the kerb behind you, steer briskly right and stop before you touch it.
7. Check all around again, then move forward and steer to straighten up on the left side of the road.

Camber, slopes and control

Most roads slope down towards the kerbs on each side, which is called camber. Going towards a kerb the car may roll faster, so be ready with the brake. Coming away from a kerb you are going slightly uphill and need a little more power and careful clutch control.

Try not to turn the wheel while the car is stationary, which strains the steering and tyres. Keep the car moving very slowly and steer quickly instead.

Dealing with other traffic

Your car will be across the road for a while, so other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians may arrive. Stop, see what they want to do and let them pass if they choose to. Do not wave people through; they must decide for themselves when it is safe. Once they have gone, check all around again before carrying on.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a narrow or busy road. Pick a quiet, wide road where possible.
• Only looking in the direction you are going. Check both ways before every move.
• Touching or mounting the kerb. Go slowly and stop just before it.
• Turning the wheel when stationary. Steer while creeping slowly.
• Waving other drivers on. Stop and let them make their own decision.

Test yourself: Turn in the road (three-point turn)

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

Go deeper

• Driving Test Manoeuvres in GB