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Junctions

Turning left from a main road into a side road

The turn itself should be the easy part - it's the approach (mirrors, signal, speed, position) that decides whether there's anything left to react to once you're actually turning.

Core skill Step-by-step lesson Common mistakes

This video has no narration. Follow the written steps below.

Practical test

Why it matters

This tests mirror use, signalling, speed control, and pedestrian awareness together - a technically smooth turn still fails if the approach missed someone at the kerb.

What to look out for

The approach decides the turn

A good left turn is set up before the junction - early mirrors, signal, and speed reduction leave you with a clear view into the side road.

Look into where you're going

As you approach, scan the side road itself. Parked vehicles or pedestrians there can change the safest speed and line.

Key steps

  1. 1 Look well ahead for the side road, road markings, parked vehicles, and pedestrians, so you have time to react before you're committed to the turn.
  2. 2 Check mirrors, signal left in good time, and reduce speed progressively rather than braking late at the junction.
  3. 3 Hold a normal position on the left without clipping the kerb, keeping an eye on the side-road entrance as you get closer.
  4. 4 Steer smoothly into the side road on the correct side, giving way to any pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.

Common mistakes

Approaching too fast

Slow earlier so you have time to observe the side road and judge the corner, rather than rushing the steering at the last second.

Turning left across a cyclist on your inside

Before you turn, check your left mirror and nearside for a cyclist coming up the inside - don't overtake just before a left turn, and give way to them.

Cutting the corner

Follow a smooth left-turn path that keeps the car on the correct side of the side road, instead of clipping or mounting the kerb.

Missing pedestrians at the side road

Give way to anyone crossing or waiting to cross the side road - they have priority - and check the pavement as you approach, not just the traffic behind you.

Example scenarios

Illustrative, AI-generated examples - not real photographs.

Avoid
Turning left with a cyclist riding close alongside - cutting across a cyclist going straight ahead is exactly what the Highway Code warns against. Hold back and let them clear the junction, rather than forcing them to stop or swerve for you.
Avoid
A pedestrian is walking along the pavement at the mouth of the side road you're turning into - they have priority to cross here, so give way if they start to, rather than expecting them to wait for you.

Highway Code

This lesson is a revision aid, not a replacement for The Highway Code.

Rule 170

Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning - they have priority - and stay behind cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders at junctions rather than cutting across them.

Read Rule 170 on GOV.UK

Rule 182

Use your mirrors and signal left well before you turn. Do not overtake just before turning left, and watch for traffic coming up on your left.

Read Rule 182 on GOV.UK

Rule 183

Keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable when turning, and give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane or tramway from either direction.

Read Rule 183 on GOV.UK

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