Turn in the road

Manoeuvre Guide: Turn In The Road

Ever since the driving test changed in 2017, candidates are no longer required to demonstrate the turn in the road manoeuvre (also known as a three-point turn) during their practical test. However, in day-to-day driving, this manoeuvre remains as relevant as ever, and being able to perform it well is crucial. So, if you're looking to become a pro at this manoeuvre, we’ve got just the thing for you!

This manoeuvre guide will walk you through the turn in the road: how to complete it, what an examiner would be looking for if it were still on the test, and when you might need to use it in real-life conditions.

What is the turn in the road manoeuvre?

The turn in the road manoeuvre enables drivers to, as the name suggests, turn their vehicle around in the road. It’s a method, much like reversing around a corner, which drivers can use to manoeuvre their vehicle to face the opposite direction if they’re on a road too narrow for a U-turn. Most drivers can complete the manoeuvre in three moves, which is why it’s commonly referred to as a “three-point turn”.

Typical instructions from an instructor or examiner for this manoeuvre might go as follows:

“When it’s safe to do so, would you please pull up on the left? Then I’d like you to turn the vehicle around to face the opposite direction in as few moves as possible. Move off when you’re ready.”

Before the driving test changes in 2017, turn in the road was one of four manoeuvres learners might have been expected to demonstrate during their practical test. Along with reversing around a corner, turn in the road was removed from the test in favour of pulling up on the right. Please note, this does not mean you should neglect to learn how to turn in the road—instructors should still be teaching it.

What is the examiner looking for?

Though the turn in the road manoeuvre no longer features on the practical test, we still have information on what examiners looked for when it was a requirement. Following these guidelines should help you not only complete the manoeuvre but carry it out to a high standard.

During the old driving test, the examiner would be paying close attention to your coordination of controls. To successfully execute a turn in the road, you’ll need to combine careful use of your clutch with swift and controlled steering. Meanwhile, you’ll also need to display awareness of your surroundings, completing frequent observations to stay on top of oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.

You would have also been expected to demonstrate:

Accuracy: While it’s not always possible to complete a turn in the road in three moves, you’d be expected to do it in five moves or less.
Control: You need to have firm control of your clutch and speed—slow and steady is key here. You also need to take care to avoid mounting or hitting the kerb.
MSM (Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre): As with any other manoeuvre or action on the road, constant all-around checks are essential.

There are a few key things to ask yourself when thinking about completing a turn in the road manoeuvre:

Is it safe and legal to do so on the road you’re on?
Do you have enough room to complete the manoeuvre?
Is it safe to do so based on the volume of traffic?

Obviously, you should not attempt this manoeuvre on a main road. If you’re not 100% certain you can complete a turn in the road safely, opt instead for reversing around a corner.

Step-by-step: How do I complete a turn in the road?

Let’s break down the turn in the road manoeuvre into four parts to make it easier to follow—things always seem more manageable when broken into smaller steps. Of course, you might find that you won’t need so many steps when completing it in real life.

Step 1: Stop on the left

You’ll begin the turn in the road manoeuvre by parking on the left-hand side of the road. Although this might sound straightforward, it’s absolutely vital that you carefully consider where you’re going to stop. If you don’t think it through properly, you could end up disrupting the flow of traffic or, worse, injuring someone.

As you’re driving, keep an eye out for a safe location to pull up on the left. Try to avoid stopping on someone’s driveway, opposite a junction, or on a sharp bend—it will make your life easier! Before you think about pulling up, check both your interior mirror and left-hand mirror. Closely monitor the flow of oncoming traffic and ensure it’s safe for you to move.

Once you’re sure it’s safe, give your mirrors another check before signalling left and pulling up. If it’s a particularly narrow road, make sure you don’t park opposite other parked vehicles, as it will make it impossible to manoeuvre.

Once you’ve stopped the car, apply the handbrake and select neutral. Don’t forget to cancel your indicators.

Step 2: Steer to the right

Now it’s time to move. One of the most important things to remember with the turn in the road manoeuvre is that you should only start once you’re sure the road is clear. If you don’t wait for clearance, you’ll end up holding up traffic—and no one wants that!

Before you start, check your interior mirror, right-hand mirror, and then turn to look at your right blindspot. If you see any oncoming traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians, halt until you’re sure it’s clear.

Signal right, then slowly begin moving, carefully using your clutch. Keep it slow and steady, and steer quickly to the right (full lock). Once you’re about 1 metre from the kerb, turn the wheel once to the left. If you’re unsure about measuring distances, your instructor can offer you a reference point for the manoeuvre.

As you move, keep checking your mirrors and blindspots for oncoming traffic. After completing the left turn, stop, apply the handbrake, and select reverse gear.

Step 3: Reverse slowly

Now for the reversing part of the manoeuvre. As always, make sure you’re paying attention to what’s going on around you.

Check both sides of the road, using your mirrors and double-checking your blindspots for any oncoming traffic. Since you’re reversing, keep an eye on your rear windscreen. Slowly start to reverse, using your clutch, and steer quickly to the left (full lock).

Now, look over your right shoulder at the kerb behind you. Keep the speed slow—you don’t want to hit the kerb. Once you’re about 1 metre from the kerb, steer once to the right, then use the clutch and brake pedals to stop.

Step 4: Move off

You’re now almost finished!

Before moving off, check that the road is clear by completing mirror and blindspot checks. You can do this in a clockwise sequence: left shoulder blindspot, left-hand mirror, interior mirror, right-hand mirror, right shoulder blindspot, and rear window.

Once it’s clear, select first gear, find your clutch’s biting point, disengage the handbrake, and slowly move off, steering quickly to the right.

Congratulations! You’ve completed the turn in the road manoeuvre.

When would this be used in real life?

You’ll find it difficult to find many drivers in the UK who haven’t had to turn around and change direction on the road at some point. Whether you realise you’ve taken a wrong turn, the road ahead is obstructed, or you want to join a heavy stream of traffic, knowing how to change direction is essential.

In situations where a U-turn isn’t possible (many roads in the UK aren’t wide enough), a turn in the road might be your only option to turn around. In just a few simple moves, you can change direction and drive back the way you came. However, if you don’t have enough room to do this, you may need to reverse around a corner or continue to a side road instead.

FAQs

Will the turn in the road manoeuvre be on my driving test?
No. You don't have to worry about the turn in the road showing up on your test. Since the driving test changes introduced in 2017, it has been removed from the practical test, along with reversing around the corner.
Do I really need to know how to turn in the road, then?
As we've discussed in our section on “when would this be used in real life?”, a turn in the road is an excellent solution for changing direction when you're unable to complete a U-turn. Therefore, it's important that you know how to do it. If you haven’t tried it yet, Leo Driving School will teach you how to perform it safely.
Which manoeuvres will show up on my test?
Although the turn in the road manoeuvre won’t appear on your test, you will need to demonstrate one of the following three manoeuvres instead:
Is it legal to turn in the road?
Yes, as long as it's safe to do so. However, you shouldn’t attempt a turn in the road on a busy main road, as it's unlikely the road will stay clear long enough to complete the manoeuvre. In such a case, it’s better to find a safer spot to turn around, like a side road.
Does it have to be completed in three points?
No. Despite being commonly referred to as a “three-point turn,” the turn in the road manoeuvre doesn't have to be completed in three moves. When it was part of the driving test, you were allowed up to five moves. In real life, you aren't restricted to a specific number of moves. If you find you need five or more moves to complete it, consider practising with an instructor to refine your skills.
What should I do if there's a lot of oncoming traffic?
Real-life driving can be unpredictable, so there’s no way to fully prepare for every scenario. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make the safest decision. A turn in the road might take anywhere from one minute to five minutes to complete. If you think the road won't stay clear long enough, you might need to continue driving and turn into a side road, for example.
What happens if another car comes up behind me?
If you've already started the turn in the road and a vehicle appears behind you, you’ll need to continue with the manoeuvre. Unless there’s space for the other vehicle to pass, they won't be able to overtake. Take your time and proceed as safely as possible. Don’t worry about the other driver — they’ll understand.
Do I have to signal for a turn in the road?
Yes, signalling is essential to help other road users understand your intentions—remember MSM! If you stop suddenly on the road without signalling, other drivers won’t automatically assume you're turning around. Therefore, you should signal right to let them know you're about to turn.
What distance should I be from the kerb during this manoeuvre?
As per the instructions, your vehicle should be about 1 metre from the kerb. When you learn how to perform this manoeuvre with Leo Driving School, your instructor will help you with reference points and guide you in gauging distances accurately.
What if I think I'm going to hit the kerb?
If you’re driving slowly and carefully, you should be able to stop before anything dangerous happens. If, at any point, you feel you're getting too close to the kerb, stop, readjust, and don’t wait for something bad to occur. A good driver always spots potential hazards and makes adjustments to avoid them.