Turning Right at a Junction onto a Major Road
Turning right at a junction, the basic principles are the same as those covered for turning left. But now we have the additional job of changing position, and potentially, crossing approaching traffic.
After checking your mirrors and signalling you’ll normally take up your position. This means moving to just left of the centre-line, as shown in the first image.
But this isn’t always done. On fairly narrow roads you should stay nearer to the left. This leaves room for other vehicles that may be turning in.
You must also remember that parked cars on the right-hand side of the street can narrow the road. Moving over to the right here can obstruct oncoming traffic, as shown in the following two images.
Driver A has positioned close to the centre line and blocked the path of driver B
Driver A has stayed more to the left leaving driver B a safe gap to continue through
On roads where space is available, check your mirrors before moving over. When you’re being followed by another vehicle, there is no guarantee that an impatient driver won’t attempt to pass you. This can happen in your early stages when you are travelling pretty slowly.
Turning too Early
Now you know what to do on the approach; but what happens at the junction itself?
A common fault among drivers is turning too early. If something appears after you’ve partly emerged which causes you to stop, your car is then in a position which narrows the opening. This makes it very difficult for the approaching driver to turn into the side road.
Driver B has priority but driver A has made it very difficult for them to turn
To avoid this, you must refrain from steering until you begin to cross the give way lines. Just how far forward will depend on the width of the road you’re entering.
A Change of Lanes?
If you’re on a road which has more than one lane, then you’ll need to actually move into the right-hand lane on the approach.
So you can see how positioning for a right turn is much more complicated than turning left at a junction.
You need to think about the type of road you’re on, and the width of the road. Also, try to anticipate the approach of other drivers who may be affected by your positioning.
Turning Right into a Side Road
Turning right from a major road into a side road, the same rules on positioning govern the approach – left of centre on roads where space is available, or in the right-hand lane if there’s more than one. If you need to change lanes take up your position in good time.
You should follow the same advice on giving way to pedestrians crossing the junction. In addition to any other hazards as described for left turns.
The main difference with this type of turn is the likelihood of oncoming traffic. This has priority over you and you must give way to them before you complete the turn. However, if the way is clear or there’s a safe gap, the turn may be carried out without stopping.
Cutting Corners
If you need to give way to oncoming traffic, you should stop with the front of your car level with the centre of the side road. That is the point at which the turn should begin to make sure you don’t ‘cut’ the corner as you turn.
You should always avoid cutting the corner as much as possible. If it is unavoidable, it must be done with a great deal of caution.
Practising Right Turns
Advice for right turns is basically the same as that given for left turns. Choose a quiet area where you’ll not meet conditions which would prove difficult. Preferably the roads used for the first few turns should be fairly wide to make steering and positioning less of a problem.
Turning Right onto A Major Road
In this scenario we’re turning right onto a major road. The road is of reasonable width and the approach is clear. Here is the sequence you need to follow:
- check mirrors, indicate right
- if safe move over near to the centre-line
- ease off the gas, cover brake and cover clutch
- check mirrors, then keep looking left and right
- gently brake, clutch down and stop at the lines, keep your feet still.
If the road is level you need only move off again when safe. But if there is any suspicion of a slope you should apply the parking brake, set the gas, and bring the clutch to biting point before moving off again when it’s safe.
Turning Right into a Side Road
The next turn is into a side road. Imagine there are parked cars on the right on the approach, and that there’s an oncoming car:
- check mirrors, indicate right
- move over to the right but not too far because the other cars make the road narrow
- ease off the gas, cover brake and cover clutch
- keep looking ahead and into the junction.
If you can turn comfortably before or after the vehicle, then with a final mirror check you should do so. If you’re in any doubt about the space available, then you should stop when level with the centre-line of the side road.
Waiting at the Junction
Having stopped, prepare for moving off again. Use the parking brake if the wait is for more than a few seconds or there’s a gradient. If you do have to wait for a longer period, keep looking into the road as well as watching oncoming traffic as the situation may change. Pedestrians may arrive who want to cross the road, or another vehicle may come along the side road preventing you from entering.
We’ll assume, however, that the road is level and the wait a short one. When you’re ready for setting off and the way is clear, then continue:
- check mirrors and set the gas
- slowly bring the clutch up till the car moves, keep your feet still and steer quickly to the right
- straighten your steering when you’re through the turn, and smoothly bring the clutch up fully
- check your mirrors and gently increase the gas
- take your foot away from the clutch
For more advice on approaching junctions, read Learning to Drive – The Learner Driver’s Manual.