The MSPSL Routine

Using the same routine each time helps you prepare for the junction in a controlled way.

• Mirrors: check your interior mirror followed by your left exterior mirror. Pay particular attention to cyclists, motorcycles and other road users who may be travelling alongside you.
• Signal: signal left in good time so other road users understand what you intend to do.
• Position: maintain a normal position on the left side of your lane. Avoid moving unnecessarily close to the kerb.
• Speed: reduce your speed progressively before reaching the junction and select an appropriate gear for the turn.
• Look: look into the road you’re entering and assess pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, approaching traffic and anything else that could affect your turn.

Complete the routine early enough that you’re not trying to brake, change gear, steer and make observations all at the last moment.

Position and Speed

Good positioning helps other road users understand what you’re doing and gives you enough space to make the turn smoothly.

Stay in your normal driving position as you approach the junction rather than moving excessively towards the kerb. This is particularly important where cyclists or motorcycles may be travelling alongside you.

Reduce your speed progressively before the turn and select an appropriate gear. Your speed should give you enough time to assess the junction and steer accurately without rushing.

Avoid approaching too quickly and then braking sharply as you begin the turn.

Finding the Correct Turning Point

One of the most common problems when learning to turn left is deciding when to start steering.

As you approach the junction, look into the road you’re turning into rather than concentrating on the kerb immediately beside the car. Your turning point will depend on the shape and width of the junction.

Turning too early can bring the rear wheel unnecessarily close to the kerb or cause you to mount it. Turning too late can make the car swing too far towards the centre of the new road.

With practice, you’ll learn to judge the turning point from the shape of the junction and the position of the car rather than relying entirely on a fixed reference point.

Looking Into the New Road

Before and during the turn, look into the road you’re entering. Check for pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, approaching traffic and other potential hazards.

Your observations should continue throughout the turn. A road that appeared clear when you first approached the junction can change quickly.

Look where you want the car to go. This will help you steer smoothly into the new road and establish the correct position once the turn is complete.

Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly important when you’re turning left. Look carefully into the side road and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

Your left mirror is especially important. Check for cyclists or motorcycles that could be travelling alongside you before you begin the turn.

Don’t assume that signalling means you can simply make the turn. Your signal tells other road users what you intend to do, but you still need to make sure it is safe before changing direction.

Common Learner Problems

Left turns become much easier once your approach routine, speed and observations become consistent. Common problems include:

• Approaching the junction too quickly.
• Signalling too late or forgetting to signal.
• Failing to check the left mirror.
• Moving unnecessarily close to the kerb.
• Turning too early and getting too close to or mounting the kerb.
• Turning too late and going too wide.
• Looking at the kerb instead of looking into the new road.
• Failing to notice pedestrians or cyclists.
• Accelerating before completing the turn.

Remember: Mirrors → Signal → Position → Speed → Look → Turn.

Watch the Left Turn Video

Seeing the turn from inside the car can make the positioning and turning point much easier to understand. Watch the NSOM video and pay particular attention to the mirror checks, approach speed, road position, observations and the point at which the steering begins.

Practise Between Your Driving Lessons

When you’re travelling as a passenger, watch how the driver approaches left turns. Look at when they check their mirrors, when they begin slowing down, how they position the vehicle and when they begin steering.

Ask yourself: when would I check my mirrors, when would I slow down and when would I begin steering? You can then practise the technique during private practice with an appropriate supervising driver between your professional driving lessons.