Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress

Left Turns

Watch this video to 2:30

When you are asked to ‘take the next road on the left’, you’ll look ahead to identify the turning.

You’re looking for clues to tell you where the junction is, like:

  • Gaps in houses or hedges
  • Following the shape of the kerb
  • Give way lines
  • Other road users who may be turning in or out of the junction

Once you have identified the junction you can start to follow the hazard routine.

HAZARD ROUTINE

  • Mirrors
  • Signal
  • Position
  • Speed
  • Look

Mirrors

Check your middle mirror

  • What is following you?
  • How close is it to you?
  • How will it be affected if you slow down?

Check your left door mirror

  • You are looking out for cyclists

Signal

  • Press the indicator stalk down when you are about 4-6 car lengths away from the junction (this depends on how fast you are travelling, what is following behind you and how close it is – if it is too close you might signal a bit earlier to warn them about what you are about to do)
    (Your brake pedal is another signal. When you press the brake pedal the brake lights at the back of the car will illuminate

Position

  • You should keep the car in your normal driving position (1 metre from the kerb) or move to the left. This depends on how wide the road is.
  • As you turn into the road, follow the kerb to keep the same position

Speed (and gear)

  • You will reduce the speed to about 10 mph or less.
    If you are at 10 mph or above you will probably select 2nd gear.
    If you are below 10 mph you will probably select 1st gear.
    (Your speed and gear will depend on the shape and gradient of the road, and whether you have to give way to anyone)

Look

Just before you turn you need to check it is safe to do so.

  • Look ahead at traffic approaching you – are they trying to turn in to the same road?
  • Look in your left door mirror – is there a cyclist there?
  • Look in to the road you are about to enter – are there any pedestrians crossing or about to cross the road?

Pedestrians

If a pedestrian is crossing the road you are about to turn into, then they have priority to continue. You should wait on the road you are on until it’s safe to continue. Do not start to steer into the new road until the pedestrian has crossed over the road, this can be intimidating for them.

New Road… New Mirrors

Once you are in the new road, and before you speed up, check your middle and right door mirrors. You’re checking if it is safe to speed up, and that no-one is overtaking you.

Missed Turn

It doesn’t matter if you miss a turn and go the wrong way.

The safest thing to do is to drive past the junction.

Your driving instructor or the examiner will simply re-direct you.

It is NOT a driving fault to go the wrong way.

 

Attempts for Clip 1

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