How to turn right at a junction.

When you approach a junction there are several things to be aware of. The reason that turning right is of much greater concern to road users here in the UK is that since we drive on the left hand side to turn right at a junction you need to pay special attention to oncoming traffic and to the traffic in the junction you are approaching.

Get used to checking your mirrors, signalling and then manoeuvring. This should be done early, to give enough time to the people around you to react. By checking your mirrors you will know where all the other traffic and hazards are on the road, by signalling the traffic will know what you intend on doing and only then will you be safe to manoeuvre. As always you need to be aware of any pedestrians they might be, people often cross the roads at junctions even though it is the least safe place to cross.

The other thing you need to be aware of when turning at a junction is any road signs and road markings. For instance you may be turning into a built up residential area with a reduced speed limit. Paying attention to these signs should never be an afterthought.

Slow the car right down, so the manoeuvre is smooth and controlled. If the road ahead of you is clear you may be able to turn without stopping, if you are in a lot of traffic you may want to shift down to first gear and stop in a safe place as you wait for the oncoming traffic to clear.

Before sitting the practical driving exam you should be able to:
• Asses the correct time to being your mirrors, signal and manoeuvre.
• Judge the correct speed and gear to be using well in advance.
• Look out for hazards, this includes vehicles and pedestrians
• Read the road markings and the sign posts affecting the road you are entering well in advance of entering the junction.

The biggest danger for any driver on the roads is normally other drivers. Junctions are a great place to see the truth of this statement, pay special attention to the other drivers as you approach a junction as if they cut the corner or speed out of the junction this could impact on your journey.

Do not dilly dally at junctions, when you see a good enough opportunity to turn – take it! If you impact on other road users journeys you may fail your test.

Look out for Chevrons – (road markings) if there is an area which has a solid white line around it you should only enter if there is an emergency. With broken white lines you avoid entering the area unless you have to. One instance where you have to would be if you are going to delay the traffic behind you by waiting in the road to turn.