How to turn left and right safely using the M S P S L routine.
Approaching a junction to turn left
Mirrors
Check your centre mirror then your left mirror.
Signal
Signal (Down) left to tell others around you what you plan to do and ensure that the signal is not misleading, so correct it if needed.
Position
Keep your normal position, central in your lane between the curb and centre of the road. You don’t need to start turning until your mirrors are in line with the curb as it starts disapearing to the left.
Speed
Reduce your speed to about 10mph and change to 2nd gear, if the road is very narrow then adjust your speed to the road, in this situation you may need first.
Cover your pedals (the brake and bring the clutch up once you have changed down a gear)
Look
Look into the new road as soon as possible; over gardens, through trees, over parked cars and you can even use reflections in windows! Any way of seeing hazards early in the new road will help you plan and be prepared so that you can react.
If there is oncoming traffic turning right into the new road you are taking, you have right of way over them because the oncoming car is crossing your path. Never take priority totally for granted though, be ready for the unexpected.
Once you are at point of turn, look at and follow the kerb on the left and steer as necessary, once in the new road check you centre mirror.
Approaching a junction to turn right
Mirrors
Check your centre mirror, then your right mirror.
Signal
Signal left to tell others around you what you plan to do and ensure that the signal is not misleading, so correct it if needed.
Position
Move slightly to the right towards the centre line of your road but, do not cross the centre line until the point of turn (roughly when your mirrors are is line with the centre line of the new road).
Speed
A safe speed to turn is about again10mph of there is no oncoming traffic and you don’t need to stop so as you slow down select 2nd gear and see if you can keep the vehicle moving If the road is very narrow adjust your speed to the road.
Cover your pedals (the brake and lift up the clutch once you have changed down gears)
Look
When you are turning right, you have to give way to oncoming traffic. If there is oncoming traffic, your instructor will help you decide if you have time to turn or if you need to give way.
Look as early into the new road as possible, over gardens, through trees, over parked cars and you can even use reflections in windows! Any way of seeing hazards early in the new road is a bonus.
Once in the new road check you centre mirror.
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