The U-Turn 

At first glance it may seem that turning the vehicle around to drive back in the direction you came from is not difficult. However, after parallel parking, the U-Turn can get rather complex, and fail a driving test or cause an accident, if done without thinking. 

The U-Turn manoeuvre calls for decisiveness, judgement and observation, important skills to stay accident free. In heavy traffic or, where no obvious safe turning place is available, it may be better to drive around the block instead. Many collisions occur, after a driver stops impulsively and turns carelessly in dangerous place.

The two essentials for a safe U-Turn are, where and when: 

1. Decide where: You must know the turning circle of your car and judge, if the width of the road allows for a U-Turn. Having to reverse will (in most cases) fail a driving test. But more dangerous is traffic approaching at high speed, which could be crashing into you. 

Don’t choose a location, where you can’t see other traffic or they can’t see you, e.g. near a blind bend, parked trucks or vans or a crest of a hill. (See and be seen).

2. Decide when: Beginners especially, don't realize how much time and space is necessary to turn around and reach the speed of fast flowing, oncoming traffic. If other traffic has to slow down considerably, you have not given way. It may fail the driving test. 

 

The U-Turn using the SYSTEM OF CAR CONTROL:

 

1. Course:		Decide where to commence to U-Turn from. There are 3 options, depending on the type of road:  from the kerb, left-of-centre or from the far right-hand lane. (See diagrams).
2. Mirror		Check for traffic before stopping and again before commencing the U-Turn.
3. Signal		Indicate early. Move toward the right of left, depending on the type of U-turn you are planning to do. Be sure that traffic behind passes you on the correct side.
4. Brake		Slow and stop at a suitable place. Remember not to brake sharply, especially when traffic is close behind you.
5. Gears		(Manual mainly). First gear is best for a U-Turn. It forces you to turn around at a very low and safe speed. Under certain conditions second gear is OK.
6. Give way		A vehicle U-turning must give way to all other traffic. Off course, another mirror check and signals are required here. Please note: It may get very complex, as to who gives way. If in doubt,  communicate with other drivers and show courtesy.
7. Go		If moving off from the kerb, indicate right, check over shoulder. Failing the shoulder check at this point may cause a crash with traffic turning from a side road or driveway.

 

The 3 types of U-Turn

1. Un-laned Road - Commence from the kerb:

1.1 Stop the vehicle at a suitable place. (Not close to bus stops, driveways, no- standing areas, clearways or close to corners).  When clear, move your vehicle slowly and turn the steering wheel (clockwise) quickly, but do not force it.  You must know your state's regulations, otherwise you may be stopping illegally.
1.2  Even with power steering, never force the steering wheel, while fully turned. It is bad for the mechanics and tyres. When the car reaches the position shown here, turn the wheel slowly back to the left and bring the vehicle into a straight line. Any later and your vehicle may be moving toward the center of the road, possibly into oncoming traffic.

 

2. U-Turn from laned road, commence near traffic island

 

	The red vehicle U-turns from the right-hand turning lane. The van driver assumes the red vehicle will turn right and gives way.  Note the position the red vehicle is turning from. Any closer to the island and there may not be be sufficient space ot U-Turn..
	As soon as the van driver realizes the red vehicle is not turning right, he or she will commence to turn. The two vehicles pass each other on the 'offside".  Where possible, eye contact and some kind of communication may be required.

 

3. Turning through the mouth of a T-junction

 

		1. Commence from the centre of the road or from the kerb. If positioned too far back or too far forward, you may not clear the kerb.  Note traffic behind is approaching to overtake.
2. If the T-junction is a  busy one, choose an alternative position.
		3. Just before finishing the turn check again for traffic.   It this case the red car must stop at this point and give way to the blue one.

 

U-Turns go wrong when...

... driver turn impulsively, without giving a proper signal and checking the road behind,

... when drivers choose a dangerous place, blocking traffic behind, 

... when drivers only check the rear-view mirror, but forget to check the side roads (blindspot) for entering traffic,

... drivers misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or simply ignore it, usually when they are in a rush.

 

Not a good place to commence a U-turn from. Why did this vehicle turn suddenly? Cheap petrol across the road? Forgot purse at home? Passenger wants to be dropped? Missed turn-off? Never decide to turn around on impulse.

Don't U-Turn on impulse

Find a safe place first.

 

Your safety is

DRIVING PLUS

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Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. 

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