How to Perform Safe Turns

Safe turning is a fundamental driving skill in Great Britain, requiring drivers to execute a precise sequence of actions to change direction safely and efficiently. Whether turning left or right at a junction, or entering a new road, the objective is to prevent collisions, maintain traffic flow, and ensure the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable.

The official guidance in the Highway Code and the requirements for the DVSA theory and practical driving tests emphasize a structured approach to turning. This ensures that your intentions are clear to others and that you can react appropriately to changing road conditions and traffic movements.

The Core Principle: The MSM Routine

All safe turning procedures in Great Britain begin with the Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM) routine. This systematic approach helps drivers prepare for any change of direction, not just turns.

• Mirrors: Check your interior and exterior mirrors to assess the position, speed, and intentions of traffic behind and to your sides. This crucial step helps identify any potential hazards or vehicles in your blind spots.
• Signal: Clearly indicate your intentions to other road users using your indicators in good time. A signal that's too late can be misleading, while one that's too early can also confuse.
• Manoeuvre: Once you have observed and signalled, position your vehicle correctly, adjust your speed and gear, and then execute the turn smoothly and safely.

The MSM routine should be applied before every turn and any other change of direction or speed.

How to Perform Safe Turns in Great Britain

While the MSM routine is universal, the specifics of turning left versus turning right, and the local context of junctions in Great Britain, demand distinct approaches.

Turning Left

Turning left in Great Britain (where we drive on the left) generally follows these steps:

1. Early Observation: Use your mirrors (rear-view and left door mirror) to check traffic behind you. Also, look well ahead for any pedestrians, cyclists, or other hazards approaching the junction or waiting to cross the road you intend to enter. Pay particular attention to cyclists who may be riding alongside you or indicating to go straight on.
2. Signal in Good Time: Give a clear left-turn signal well before the junction to inform other road users of your intention.
3. Positioning: Move your vehicle progressively towards the left-hand side of your lane as you approach the junction. This helps to deter other vehicles from trying to overtake you on the left and clearly shows your intended path.
4. Speed and Gear: Reduce your speed and select an appropriate gear (usually first or second) to maintain control and be ready to stop if necessary.
5. Final Checks: As you get to the junction, make a final check of your left blind spot for any cyclists or motorcyclists who may have moved up alongside you.
6. Execute the Turn: Turn smoothly, staying close to the kerb but without scraping it, and avoid cutting the corner. Watch out for pedestrians stepping into the road you are entering. Accelerate gently once the turn is complete and you are safely in the new road.

Turning Right

Turning right can be more complex due to oncoming traffic and priority considerations.

1. Early Observation: Use your mirrors (rear-view and right door mirror) and check ahead for traffic, road markings, and any vulnerable road users.
2. Signal in Good Time: Give a clear right-turn signal well before the junction.
3. Positioning: As per Highway Code Rule 179, take up a position just left of the middle of the road, or in the designated turning lane if marked. Leave room for other vehicles to pass on your left if possible, especially on wider roads.
4. Waiting for a Safe Gap: This is critical. Highway Code Rule 180 states you must wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle. Also, watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
5. Final Checks: Before turning, check your mirrors and blind spot again to ensure no one is attempting to overtake you.
6. Execute the Turn: Once it is safe, make the turn. Do not cut the corner; ensure you pass the centre point of the junction before turning to avoid conflicting with traffic turning left from the road you are entering. Take great care when turning into a main road, watching for traffic in both directions.

Specific Right Turn Scenario: Crossroads with Oncoming Right Turners

Highway Code Rule 181 addresses a common scenario at crossroads when an oncoming vehicle is also turning right. There are two methods, and understanding the safer option is vital:

• Right Side to Right Side (Preferred Method): This involves keeping the other turning vehicle on your right and turning behind it. This method is generally safer because it provides a clearer view of any approaching traffic (including vulnerable road users) as you complete your turn.
• Left Side to Left Side: This means turning in front of each other. This can block your view of oncoming vehicles, especially smaller ones like cyclists and motorcyclists, making it more hazardous. Only use this method if road layout, markings, or the other vehicle's position clearly dictate it.

Key Considerations for Safe Turning in Great Britain

• Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians and cyclists are highly vulnerable at junctions. Always assume they may be present, even if not immediately visible. They have priority if they are already crossing the road you intend to enter (Highway Code Rule 79 for pedestrians, Rule 170 for cyclists). Always look for them before, during, and after your turn.
• Blind Spots: Regular and thorough blind spot checks are non-negotiable, especially before turning left where a cyclist or motorcyclist could be hidden, or when turning right to ensure no one is trying to overtake.
• Speed and Gear: Your speed should allow you to stop safely if necessary. Being in the correct gear gives you control and the ability to accelerate out of the junction when safe.
• Road Markings: Pay close attention to arrows on the road surface, 'Give Way' or 'Stop' lines, and 'box junctions'. These markings dictate priority and positioning.
• Anticipation: Always anticipate what other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians might do. Don't assume they have seen your signal or understood your intentions.

Common Mistakes Learners Make When Turning

Learners often lose marks in theory and practical tests due to these common errors:

• Late or Incorrect Signalling: Signalling too late gives other drivers insufficient time to react, while signalling incorrectly (e.g., leaving it on too long) can mislead.
• Poor Lane Positioning: Incorrect positioning can cause confusion, block other traffic, or lead to unsafe turns (e.g., swinging wide on a left turn or cutting the corner on a right turn).
• Failing to Check Blind Spots: This is a major cause of collisions with cyclists and motorcyclists, especially when turning left.
• Misjudging Gaps: Turning when there isn't a sufficient gap in oncoming traffic, or rushing a turn under pressure.
• Not Giving Priority: Failing to yield to pedestrians already crossing the road you are turning into, or to other vehicles with priority.
• Inadequate Speed Control: Approaching too fast, making it hard to stop or adjust, or turning too slowly and holding up traffic unnecessarily.
• Forgetting MSM: Not following the full Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre routine, leading to rushed or poorly executed turns.

Real-World Scenarios

• Turning Left into a Street with a Cycle Lane: As you approach, check your left mirror and blind spot carefully for cyclists in the cycle lane who may be going straight or turning with you. Give way to them if they are in your path.
• Turning Right at a Busy Crossroads: You're waiting in the turning lane. An oncoming car is also indicating right. Position yourself for a 'right-side to right-side' turn, waiting until the path is clear to ensure you can see past them for any further oncoming traffic or hidden motorcycles.
• Approaching a Junction Where Pedestrians are Crossing: You signal to turn left. A pedestrian has already stepped off the kerb to cross the road you are entering. You must wait for them to finish crossing, even if it means momentarily blocking traffic behind you. Their safety takes priority.

Practical Takeaway for Great Britain Drivers

Safe turning in Great Britain is about more than just steering; it's a comprehensive process of observation, communication, and careful execution guided by the Highway Code. By consistently applying the MSM routine, understanding proper lane positioning, anticipating the actions of others (especially vulnerable road users), and knowing specific rules like the 'right-side to right-side' turn, you will significantly reduce risks and become a more competent and safer driver on our roads. Mastery of these safe turning procedures is vital for passing your DVSA driving tests and for your everyday driving safety.