Turning into new Roads

How to turn left and right safely using the M S P S L routine.

Approaching a junction to turn left

Mirrors

Check your centre mirror then your left mirror.

Signal

Signal left in good time and ensure that the signal is not misleading.

Position

Keep your normal position, about one metre from the kerb on approach to the junction. Your instructor will explain the point when you start steering.

Speed

A safe speed to turn is about 10mph, if the road is very narrow then adjust your speed to the road.

Cover your pedals (the brake and clutch) come off your gas and brake a little until you are roughly 10mph. If the road you are on is uphill or downhill, your instructor will explain in more detail.

Look

Look as early into the new road as possible; over gardens, through trees, over parked cars and you can even use reflections in windows! Any way of seeing hazards early in the new road is a bonus.

Any pedestrians on the new road have priority over you, so slow down or stop if necessary and let them pass.

If there is oncoming traffic turning into the new road you are taking, you have right of way over them because the oncoming car is crossing your path. Never take priority totally for granted though, be ready for the unexpected.

Once you are at point of turn, follow the kerb on the left and steer as necessary, once in the new road check you centre mirror.

Approaching a junction to turn right

Mirrors

Check your centre mirror, then your right mirror.

Signal

Signal right in good time and ensure the signal is not misleading.

Position

Move slightly to the right towards the centre line of your road but, do not cross the centre line until the point of turn (roughly when you think the front of your car is in line with the centre line of the new road).Your instructor will advise you on how much steering is necessary.

Speed

A safe speed to turn is about 10mph, if the road is very narrow adjust your speed to the road.

Cover your pedals (the brake and clutch) come off your gas and brake a little until you are roughly 10mph. If the road you are on is uphill or downhill your instructor will explain in more detail.

Look

When you are turning right, you have to give way to oncoming traffic. If there is oncoming traffic, your instructor will help you decide if you have time to turn or if you need to give way.

Look as early into the new road as possible, over gardens, through trees, over parked cars and you can even use reflections in windows! Any way of seeing hazards early in the new road is a bonus.

Any pedestrians on the new road have priority over you, so slow down or stop if necessary and let them pass.

Look for your point of turn (roughly when you think the front of your car is in line with the centre line of the new road). Your instructor will advise you how much steering is necessary.

Once in the new road check your centre mirror.