Lesson Plan 12 - Turn in the Road
Why would you need to?
The road you are on may be blocked off or be a dead end (no through road). This will mean you will need to turn your car around using forward and reverse gears doing so safely and under control. Try to turn your car around in three moves, although if the road is narrow it may take you more.
Location
You will need to make sure it is safe, legal and convenient. Ensure the road is not too busy to carry out the manoeuvre. Check your road is not a one way street. Stop somewhere clear of parked cars or other obstructions to allow you plenty of room and avoid blocking people’s driveways or being too close to junctions.
Camber
Take into account the camber of the road, which is a slight curve in the road, meaning that through the manoeuvre you will have a slight incline.
Beginning Manoeuvre
A-B P.O.M.
Prepare – 1st gear – biting point.
Observation – Check your mirrors and out of each window to ensure it’s clear.
Mainly looking out for pedestrians and oncoming traffic (look into driveways for anyone coming out of their houses).
Move – No signal is required as this will only confuse people of your intentions. You need your car moving slowly when doing any manoeuvre, so try driving with the car just at or near the biting point to control speed. Steer briskly aiming for full lock to the right (try to steer whilst on the move – not dry steering). Just before you reach the kerb steer briskly to the left so you won’t need as much steering on the reverse.
Stop, relax, apply handbrake, and select neutral.
B-C P.O.M.
Prepare – Select reverse gear and find the biting point (you will normally be on a slight incline due to camber of road).
Observation – Check mirrors and out of each window to ensure clear. Do not forget back window!)
Mainly looking out for pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Look into driveways for anyone coming out of their houses.
Move – When clear reverse slowly (clutch at or near biting point). Normally you will be moving up a slight incline and then back down as you approach the kerb on the other side – so watch your speed. Steer briskly to the left aiming for full lock and if you can, steer briskly to the right before you stop close to the kerb.
Stop, relax, apply handbrake, select neutral.
C-D P.O.M.
Prepare – 1st gear – biting point.
Observation – Look all around again, check up and down the road for pedestrians and oncoming traffic (allow them to pass, but do not wave them on).
Move – Move slowly, steering enough to the right to drive up the road in your normal driving position. If you think you are going to hit the kerb – stop, apply handbrake and use the P.O.M. routine to reverse again before moving forward.