Turning left at a junction is simple enough to the experienced driver, but not to most beginners. Here you’re asked to do not one action, but to co-ordinate a series of actions in sequence while on the move. At first this is a daunting prospect for some; therefore we don’t want to complicate things too much. You may only be able to cope with using first and second gears when turning left at a junction if they are fairly close together. Plus, you should keep at quite a low speed to begin with. But if you have space and the ability, you can also use third gear.
One of the first things to note is that there are two ways of turning left at a junction – into a side or minor road and onto a major road. A major road is not necessarily a big one. It just means that you must give way to traffic already on it.
There are three ways of showing the ‘give way’ rule:
- Double broken white lines across the end
- An inverted white triangle road marking
- At busier junctions, you may also see the give way traffic sign
During the early practise of turning left at a junction, it’s a good idea to stop at the give-way lines each time. This gives you plenty of time to look before emerging. It will also help further the practise of moving off and stopping. However, if you have a clear view on the approach and someone is close behind you, then it may be safer to make the turn without stopping if it’s clear to carry on.
Turning Left at a Junction into a Side Road
On the approach to a turn, Mirror checks are as always your first priority, followed normally by a Signal – ‘M S‘.
Next consideration is Position. For a left turn this would not usually mean any change from the normal driving line. You must then reduce Speed, and where necessary, change down to a lower Gear (unless you’re already in second gear) – ‘P S G‘.
Just before turning you should make a final mirror check. Also, look for anything else that may be approaching the junction, and Look into the side road itself – ‘L‘. The arrows shown on the diagram represent the points of observation.
It’s important to point out however, that the looks on the final approach are not the only ones you should take. The earlier you start taking all round observations the better.
The look into the side road is very important. You may meet parked cars and oncoming traffic. Parked cars on their own shouldn’t prove much of a problem. Difficulties can arise though when there’s also something coming towards you (meeting traffic).
When driving through a gap between parked cars and oncoming traffic, you must have clearance of about three feet either side. Some drivers who see you coming may wait for you if they’re courteous, but you have no guarantee.
If you’re in any doubt whatsoever, slow down or stop before completing the turn. Allow the other driver to emerge first. You can then move off again with more space available.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Pedestrians crossing the side road can also complicate a left turn. The latest Highway Code states that you should give way to pedestrians who want to cross a side road. Approach with caution, cover the brake and clutch ready to stop. If they clearly intend to wait for you however, you may carry on with the turn.
Cyclists may sometimes come through on your inside even as you’re about to turn left. This is more likely if you’re slow or have stopped for pedestrians. Always look out for them before completing your turn and allow them to come through if necessary.
Turning Left onto a Major Road
The sequence for turning onto a major road is basically the same as a minor road. The main difference is observation on the approach. You need to assess the situation as early as you can to decide whether or not it’s safe to emerge. As mentioned earlier, I would recommend stopping anyway to begin with. But even so you need to practise taking effective observation.
Just before you stop at the lines, turn your wheels slightly to the left. This means that your car begins to follow the curve of the kerb line.
Variations in the Routine
The approach to a junction has six basic features. But these events can’t always be carried out in strict order. For instance, there’s little point in checking mirrors and signalling left, if you then have to move out to the right to pass a parked car near the corner. The only option is to move out and reduce speed before signalling left.
Also, on the approach to a major road you can’t signal left before slowing down if there’s a side road with a vehicle waiting to emerge. The other driver may think you’re about to turn into their road instead. Following traffic will expect you to slow down anyway because of the junction. So the signal can be delayed until you are passing the side road.
Practising Left Turns into a Side Road
Here is the sequence you need to practise on the move:
- check mirrors, indicate left
- keeping to your normal position, ease off the gas and change down to second gear if necessary
- look all around
- at the corner steer to the left, look well ahead and straighten the steering
- check mirrors and gently increase the gas.
If you anticipate stopping for any reason, when you ease off the gas, you should also cover the brake and clutch. Both pedals are then ready for instant use.
With experience you can modify your approach so that you can ‘drive’ the car all the way through the corner. This means keeping just enough pressure on the accelerator to maintain a steady speed.
Practising Turning Left onto a Major Road
As you approach the junction, this is the sequence you should normally go through:
- check mirrors, indicate left
- keeping to your normal position, ease off the gas and change down if necessary
- cover the brake and clutch
- check mirrors again and keep looking to left and right
- steer to the left, gently braking and clutch down as you stop at the lines
- keep your feet still.
If the road is level you need only change into first gear and move off again when safe. But any suspicion of a slope, apply the parking brake, set the gas, and bring the clutch to biting point. When you’re ready to move on again, in addition to the normal right-left-right looks; ensure that you take a final mirror check on your left. In the time it takes you to get ready, a cyclist could easily come up alongside you.