How to Turn Left and Right to Pass a Road Test: Be a Licensed Driver with These Tips!
Passing a road test is not an easy feat. For sure, if you ask anyone who has just recently taken such a test, you will hear stories of how scared they were, thinking that they would fail. There are many things that you have to learn, and one of the most important would be turning left and right. It is one of the most basic skills that newbies need to master.
Taking a road test anytime soon? Afraid that you will fail? There is no need to be worried. We are here to extend a helping hand. Here are a few tips that will help you to turn left and right to pass a road test:
- Turn the steering wheel as gently as possible.
- Look in both directions.
- Turn on the signal light.
- Pause to think about who has the right of way before you turn.
- After you have made the turn, make sure to stay in the right lane.
In the rest of this post, we will discuss how to turn left and right to pass a road test. Aside from turning, we will also provide you with valuable insights that will make you a better driver, not only when making turns.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Turn Left and Right to Pass a Road Test
Turning to your left or right is one of the first things that you should learn. It is not as easy as pointing the steering wheel in the direction in which you would like to move. For a visual guide of how to do this, watch the short video below, which is followed by a quick discussion of the things that you have to do:
- Make sure that you are in a relaxed position, with your hand properly laid on the steering wheel. Do not be nervous when you are about to reach an intersection. The presence of mind is important and will help you to ace the road test.
- Slow down at least a block before reaching an intersection. When you are driving too fast, it will be difficult for you to have an intelligent estimate of when is the right time to turn left or right. When you are driving slowly, on the other hand, you can be more assured that the vehicle will turn on where it will be moved.
- Turn on the signal light depending on whether you will turn right or left. Once the light is turned on, check the mirror and turn on your back. Look beyond your shoulders to see if there is a car, pedestrian, or any object that you might hit. When it is all clear, this is the right time to turn.
- You should also check your speed when you are turning to know when it is already the right time to do so. If you are turning to the right, the maximum speed of the car should be about 15 kilometers per hour. On the other hand, when turning left, it should be about 20 kilometers per hour. The general rules will depend on the place where you are driving.
- Another thing that will have an impact on your speed will be the condition of your turn. If it is square, you should go slower. On the other hand, if it is a sip lane, you can go faster and smoother.
- Once you have turned left or right, assume the original position of your hand on the steering wheel.
Tips for Making Left and Right Turns
Once you have mastered the steps mentioned above, here are the other things that you also have to keep in mind:
- Turn the steering wheel as gently as possible right after you have slowed down. Making a sudden turn can cause an accident. This will also screech the tire and can speed up its wear.
- Look in both directions. Check if the left and right sides are clear before you make a turn, making sure that you will not hit anything or anyone.
- It is easy to forget to turn on the signal light, but this is one thing that you should not ignore. Be a responsible driver by letting the one at your back know what you are about to do upon reaching an intersection.
- By being a responsible driver, you should also pause to think about who has the right of way before you turn. For instance, if you are about to turn left and there is a car approaching and turning to your side, be sure to give way to that car first before you steer.
- After you have made a turn, make sure to stay in the right lane. If your turn is too wide, you might end up in the lane where you should not be driving. As a rule, start turning only once the front tire of your car has reached the center of the intersection. If you start your turn too early, you will end up cutting the corner and scratching your car.
Tips to Pass a Road Test
Yes, knowing how to turn left and right will be important if you want to get a license. However, these are not the only important things. Here are some tips that will increase the likelihood of passing on your first take:
- Preparation is key. Before you start, make sure to recall the basic techniques that you have learned. As a novice driver, keep things simple. You will not be asked to do anything that only experienced drivers can do.
- Do not be nervous. If you are nervous, it will be easy to lose focus. Be sure to stay concentrated. Eyes on the road, not on the one with you monitoring your skills. The presence of mind will help you pass the test.
- Seek advice from others, such as your parents and friends who have been driving for a long time already.
- You should also be familiar with the car that you are using for the test. Know it by heart. Use it for your practice. Once you are comfortable with it, it will be easier to pass your road test.
- Be prepared for the unexpected, especially the weather conditions. See to it that you are prepared to drive on slippery roads in case it rains during your test.
- Do not be in a rush. The slower you drive, the more time you have to think about what needs to be done next.
Conclusion
By now, I hope that you are able to learn a thing or two when it comes to how to turn left and right to pass a road test. It is actually easy. All that you need to do is to slow down, signal, shoulder check, and make the turn. When doing the latter, be sure to observe the right speed depending on various conditions.
Do you enjoy reading this guide? Are there other tips that you would like to share? Do not hesitate to leave a comment below.
