Junctions

Turning right from a main road

Waiting to turn right isn't one continuous movement - it's a controlled stop with the wheels straight, followed by a separate decision once the gap is actually there.

Core skill Step-by-step lesson Common mistakes

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

Practical test

Why it matters

This checks position, judgement of oncoming traffic, and whether pressure from traffic behind changes your decision-making.

What to look out for

Straight wheels while you wait

Staying ready with the wheels straight keeps you safer while you're stopped, whatever's happening behind you.

Two decisions, not one

Setting up the turn and actually taking it are separate steps. Stop and assess first, then commit once the gap is safe.

Key steps

1 Check mirrors, signal right in good time, and move into the correct road position without drifting across too early.
2 Reduce speed progressively and be prepared to stop behind the centre line while you assess oncoming traffic.
3 Keep the wheels straight while you wait, so the car can't be pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from behind.
4 Turn positively once the gap is safe, keeping the car controlled and entering the new road on the correct side - giving way to any pedestrian crossing or waiting to cross the road you're entering.

Common mistakes

Turning the wheels while waiting

Keep the front wheels straight until the turn is actually happening - angled wheels push the car across the road if you're hit from behind.

Rushing a gap under pressure

Wait for a clearly safe gap rather than forcing the turn because traffic has built up behind you.

Cutting the corner into the new road

Steer a proper arc into the left side of the new road, rather than slicing across its centre.

Example scenarios

Illustrative, AI-generated examples - not real photographs.

Turning too early and cutting the corner, so the car crosses onto the wrong side of the road it's entering instead of arcing into the left. Anything emerging from that road meets it head-on, in its own lane. That's potentially dangerous — a serious fault, and a test fail.

Highway Code

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

Rule 179

Well before turning right, use your mirrors, signal, and position just left of the middle of the road, or in a marked right-turn lane.

Read Rule 179 on GOV.UK

Rule 180

Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle before turning. Do not cut the corner.

Read Rule 180 on GOV.UK

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

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