How to Make a Three-Point Turn
Although you may hardly have any use for it in real-life driving situations, knowing how to do a three-point turn is a necessary driving test you must pass to get your driver’s license. Most drivers find it difficult to properly execute this turn because of the small space available for you to maneuver your car. However, there’s no need to worry; in this article, we will walk you through how to make a proper three-point turn like a pro.
To successfully complete a three-point turn, first, you must turn the steering wheel all the way to the left towards the edge of the opposite lane. Next, shift into reverse and turn the steering wheel to the right and back towards the side of your original lane. And finally, shift into driving forward, steer left and continue driving in the opposite direction.
What Is A Three-Point Turn?
Three-point turns are an alternative to U-turns. They are often done when you have to make a U-turn but the road is too narrow to complete a U-turn in one sweep. Also referred to as the broken U-turn, Y-turn, or K-turn.
As the name suggests, there are 3 points you will need to hit in order to complete a three-point turn successfully.
How To Make a Three Point Turn
Follow the step-by-step guide below to execute a three-point turn like a pro. When learning the three-point turn, check for a safe area to pull over that is at least 200 feet from the next junction.
Pick a quiet side street away from driveways, intersections, kids playing, and any other activity that might delay the move. Make sure you have at least 500 feet of vision in all directions, and avoid doing this on a curb.
Signal your need to pull over to other drivers by activating your right-turn signal. Then pull over to the right-hand curb and stop when it is safe. This is your first of three points.
Before you pull over, be sure there are no parked cars on the opposite side of the road where you will be making your turn, and remember to examine your mirrors, blind spots, and right shoulder.
Prepare for the second of your three turns. Turn on your left-turn signal, examine your left side and rear-view mirror, and then make a broad "glance" over your left shoulder. Watch for oncoming traffic and any activity from the front of your car, back of the car, and the road behind you. Proceed slowly to your left into the oncoming traffic lane. Stop before hitting a curb or a parked car.
A this point your vehicle will be in the middle of the road blocking one or both lanes. From here you need to hit your third point. You do this by first checking for traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists once more. When you are clear to continue your three-point turn, turn the wheel to the right and put the car in reverse. Stop when you are completely or mostly in the most right-hand lane and you are positioned with the hood of your vehicle pointed in your desired direction.
To complete the three-point turn, put the car in park and let go of the brake. Gently press the gas pedal and make any corrections necessary to drive with your vehicle between the lines of a single lane on the right-hand side of the road.
Accelerate with caution to meet the legal speed limit.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Three-Point Turn
Do not turn the steering wheel too tight into the steering jam. This might cause damage to your power steering pump or fan belt.
Furthermore, before rotating the steering wheel, always be sure you move the vehicle forward gradually in one direction. If you don’t, you put a lot of strain on your fan belt, steering pump, alignment, and tires.
Driveways and empty lanes are the best places for three-point turns. Never make a three-point turn on a crowded highway.
When doing your first three-point turn, be cautious. Practice the maneuver in a quiet, empty area away from busy roadways.
When Is It Suitable To Do a Three-Point Turn?
A 3-point turn takes longer than a regular turn and requires enough room in both directions to be performed safely. Because many roads are too congested to provide more room, you must consider other cars before beginning the turn. You should not perform a 3-point turn if it would interrupt the traffic situation and cause a dangerous situation.
On any route with a constant traffic flow, it may be wiser to do a U-turn or drive around the block rather than wait for a 3-point turn.
Making a Three-Point Turn on the Driving Test
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you pass your driving test three-point turn:
- Practice the three-point turn road test on quiet roads.
- Take your time and don’t rush a 3-point turn.
- Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right side for each step (three steps will not be enough).
- Watch for other traffic, other drivers, and other vehicles in your mirrors and rear-view mirror all the time.
- If a simpler solution (such as a U-turn) is available, use it instead.
Does A Three-Point Turn Require A Signal?
When performing any maneuver, remember the golden rule: mirror, signal, blind spot, maneuver. Don’t forget to signal immediatelu after you’ve checked your mirrors.
Other drivers will not realize you need to reverse your car and will not expect a three-point turn. Hence, allow them as much time as possible to react by signaling for at least three seconds before you reverse.
Do I Have To Perform A Three-Point Turn During My Driving Test?
You may not.
A three-point turn was once required of new drivers under practice conditions. However, since revisions to the practical exam were introduced in December 2017, a three-point turn is no longer needed in many states.
Conclusion
Three-point turns are not your day-to-day driving situations. Most major roads have wide enough lanes to allow you to make a clean U-turn without having to reverse and attempt the turn again. However, when you are caught in smaller streets and lanes, mastering the three-point turn will give you more options if you need to turn around.
