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How To Do A Left Turn

 

On your driving test you will have to perform left turns, the examiner will be looking for you to use

the M-S-P-S-L routine in good time. Centre Mirror to see what is behind you. If you have a car following

close behind you this can affect how you apply the brake; you may need to slow down at a reduced

rate if you have a car right behind you. Left Mirror to check what is to the left of the car before moving

the car to the left. It is important you check that there is nothing to the left side such as cyclists.

Signal to the left to tell other road users what you are about to do. Position the car to turn left, if the

junction that you are turning into is clear then your road position should not change, if you see parked

cars on the left side of the road you are turning into, then it may be necessary to change your road

position to go around the cars safely.  Make sure that your Speed is correct before turning left,

too fast and you will not be able to control your turn and may go wide and onto the wrong side of the

road, too slow and you may force cars behind you to slow down abruptly. Look before you turn left, you

should look into the road you are turning into to make sure that there are no obstructions such as

parked cars as mentioned above, you should also be looking on either side of the pavement to make

sure that there are no pedestrians about to step out into the junction. If a pedestrian does step out onto

the road they should be given priority.

 

The above is a basic outline on how to turn left; your instructor will go through this with you in more detail.

 

 

Thanks to Sarah Cassidy for her help with this page!

 

Video clips taken from The Visual Guide To Passing Your Practical Driving Test 2004.

The updated 2008-09 version, which gives a clearer, more detailed view on how to perform all driving test parking manoeuvres including the 3 point turn or turn in the road manoeuvres can now be bought from us for just

£3.99 inc all P&P - driving test dvd.