Right Turns

Get into the Habit of using the mirror-signal-manoeuvre( MSM) routine early when approaching junctions or any other hazards such as obstructions in the road.

The examiner on your driving test will expect you to:-

  • Use the MSM routine in good time

  • Brake gently and in good time

  • Position your vehicle correctly - Choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street

  • Look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians

     

    The examiner will also be looking to see that you: -

  • Read Stop signs, Give Way signs, etc, accurately

  • Assess the speed of traffic.

    While carrying out the junction routine you must keep a constant look-out for other road users. Doing this will help to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the correct decisions about your intended actions.

    Look Out
    For Signs and road markings indicating priorites
    Mirrors
    As soon as you are aware that there is a junction or other hazard ahead, you must check your mirrors to see what is happening behind. Just looking is not enough. You must ask yourself the question, 'Is it safe to carry out the manoeuvre?' A manoeuvre is any action involving a change to your speed or position.
    Signal
    When you are sure that it's safe to proceed, give the appropriate signal and in plenty of time. This gives others a chance to see them!
    Position
    Check your mirrors again to ensure that it's safe to move into the correct position for the junction.
    Speed and Gear Use the footbrake to ensure that you have plenty of time to change gear before the junction. If things seem rushed, you're going too fast. Make a final observation check all around and then complete your manoeuvre.
    Final Observation - Look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians.
    Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle.
    Check your side mirror for anyone fool enough to be overtaking you before you turn ( yes it does happen! )
    Keep a special look-out for cyclists or motorbikes travelling along close to the kerb. Sometimes these are hidden from your view behind oncoming cars or lorries.
    Give way to pedestrians crossing any road you are turning into. Watch out for those with their backs to you. They may not have seen or heard you and could walk into the road without looking.
    The main danger when turning right is from oncoming vehicles. Slow down and wait until they have passed the junction. Don't be afraid to stop when you reach the point of your turn if it is not safe. When the way is clear move away smartly and do not cause an obstruction.
    When turning right into the new road make sure you look into the road before you go. Avoid cutting the corner because another vehicle could be approaching the junction.
     

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    More about the Position before Turning Right
    Get into position early and maintain it. If you position correctly on a wide road, following vehicles should be able to pass on your nearside ( on the drivers left side). There is a tendency these days for wide roads to be marked with chevrons. The chevrons are designed to improve safety by encouraging better driver following behaviour. These are used to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
    There are 2 types of chevrons.

  • If the area is bordered by a solid white line, you should not enter it except in an emergency.
  • If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
    When turning right you can enter a broken white line chevron if you feel by not doing so you would stop the traffic flow from behind. The image (left) shows an example when you should drive into a
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