Turning Left : Major to Minor

Turning Left : Major to Minor

The next step is to learn how to take a turn from a major road to a minor road. The skills needed for this excerise is one of carefull obersvation and not just in one direction, for example when turning left do not forget to check your left mirror to see if there is a cyclist in your blind spot.

The DSA has recommanded to follow this general procedure know as the MSPSL.

Mirror:

• Start by checking your mirrors in good time as you approach the junction, remember to check your interor mirror followed by your left mirror.

Signal :

• Give a left signal in good time so that other road users will benefit from your signal.

Position:

• Remember to position your car to the left of the road (about one metre from the kerb). Make sure you do not move too far to the left as this might give driver behind you the wrong message and they could think that you are pulling up and not turning.

Gears :

• slow down and select the appropriate gear, remember to reflect how sharp the corner is and make sure you can clearly see round the corner. For example if it is a sharp corner then it is best to do it in first gear as a general rule.

Look

• check your mirrors again, especially your nearside mirror in case a cyclist or motorcyclist is passing on your nearside. Look in the direction of travel to make sure the road you are turning is clear. You must stop and give way to any pedestrians crossing the road.

The same procedure is also used to turn right the main difference is that you need to postion right and look out for on coming traffic. Take care not to cause any on coming traffic to slow down, stop or swing out to aviod your car.