Making a Right Turn Safely

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 right exterior mirror. Pay particular attention to motorcycles, cyclists and other vehicles that may be attempting to pass.
• Signal: signal right in good time so other road users understand what you intend to do.
• Position: move towards the centre of your side of the road, positioning just left of the centre line. If there is a dedicated right-turn lane, use it.
• Speed: reduce your speed progressively. In many situations, you should be approaching the turn at around 10 mph or less, depending on the junction, visibility and traffic conditions.
• Look: assess the junction carefully before deciding whether it is safe to turn.

Complete the routine early enough that you’re not trying to brake, change gear, position the car and assess oncoming traffic all at the last moment.

Position and Speed

Good positioning helps other road users understand what you’re doing and puts the car in the correct place to make the turn.

Position just left of the centre line without crossing onto the opposite side of the road. Reduce your speed progressively as you approach so you have enough time to assess the junction and stop smoothly if you need to wait for oncoming traffic.

Avoid approaching too quickly and then braking sharply at the turning point.

Finding the Correct Turning Point

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

As you approach the junction, look at the road you’re turning into. A useful reference is to bring the centre of the new road approximately in line with your right exterior door mirror before beginning the turn.

Turning too early can cause you to cut the corner and enter the wrong side of the new road. Turning too late can make the car swing too wide.

The exact reference can vary slightly depending on the junction and the vehicle you’re driving, so use it as a guide rather than staring at the mirror or road marking.

Looking for Oncoming Traffic

Before crossing the road, you must make sure it is safe. Look ahead for oncoming vehicles and assess their speed and distance. If you’re unsure whether the gap is large enough, wait.

Don’t allow a vehicle behind you to pressure you into turning. Your decision should be based on whether you have enough time to complete the turn safely.

Also watch carefully for motorcycles, cyclists and vehicles that may be difficult to see amongst other traffic. Once you have a safe gap, complete the turn positively rather than moving into the path of oncoming traffic and then hesitating.

Watch for Pedestrians

Your observations shouldn’t stop with the oncoming traffic. Before turning, look into the road you’re entering and check for pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross.

Also watch for cyclists and vehicles emerging from the side road. It’s easy to become so focused on finding a gap in the oncoming traffic that you forget to check what is happening in the road you’re about to enter.

Common Learner Problems

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

• Approaching the junction too quickly.
• Poor positioning before the turn.
• Failing to check the right mirror.
• Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic.
• Turning too early and cutting the corner.
• Turning too late and going too wide.
• Concentrating on oncoming traffic and missing pedestrians.
• Feeling pressured by vehicles waiting behind.

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

Watch the Right Turn Video

Seeing the manoeuvre from inside the car can make the positioning and turning point much easier to understand. Watch the NSOM video below and pay particular attention to the 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 right turns. Look at when they begin slowing down, where they position the vehicle and how long they wait for oncoming traffic.

Ask yourself: would I turn now, or would I wait? You can then practise the technique during private practice with an appropriate supervising driver between your professional driving lessons.