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Virtual Driving Lesson 4 - Turning left and right

Dave Humphries • Apr 20, 2020

Lesson Four-Turning left and right

In this week’s lesson we are going to look at turning left and right from a major road into a minor road, or in everyday language, from a main road into a side road. We have come across MSM in our moving off lesson we are going break down the manoeuvre part t help to put it into smaller steps. So, this will become MSPSL, which will be explained below. The MSPSL routine or hazard drill will become an important part of your driving. Basically, every hazard you approach, be it any junctions, parked cars, pedestrian crossing, and any other hazards you approach. You will need to use the MSPSL routine. 

If driving an Automatic car, you will approach using the same method, MSPSL. Follow the routine below and note the differences in the Look sections.

Turning Left-MSPSL Routine

Mirrors: Start by checking your interior and left mirrors. You need to check these early so you can act on what you see and assess on how your actions will affect other road users.

Signal: Let other road users know your intentions by giving a left signal in plenty of time. Look out for other side roads on the left or any hazards for example a parked car and avoid giving a misleading signal. Remember. think how your signals will be interpreted by others.

Position: In most cases it will not be necessary to change position on approach to a left turn as you will already following your driving line (approx. 1m from kerb). Try and keep a position of 1m around the corner.

Speed: Bring down your speed smoothly and gradually, avoid harsh late braking. You will try and get your speed down to about 10 to 15 mph at about 2 to 3 car lengths from the junction.

Look: What you see then depends on what you will do with your speed. If its clear you will generally choose 2nd gear. It is then important to bring your clutch up (this avoids coasting) and gives you full control of your car. Keep your foot off the gas, this is referred to as walking your car. Remember to check your left door mirror for cyclists before you turn.
If it’s not clear or it’s a tight narrow junction you can reduce your speed and choose 1st gear (5mph or lower). This will give you more time and control. 
Be especially careful of pedestrians who may step out onto the road. Remember pedestrians already on the road have priority. 
Once you have made the turn don’t accelerate until you have straightened up and check your mirrors before you accelerate.
 
In an automatic car the same speed will apply, 10-15 mph at about 2 to 3 car lengths. Keep your foot off the gas, this will give you the same effect as walking the car (known as creep). If it's not clear or a tight junction, slow your car down with the brake to 5mph or lower. This will give you more time and control.


Turning Right-MSPSL Routine

Mirrors: Start by checking your interior and right mirrors. You need to check these early so you can act on what you see and assess on how your actions will affect other road users.

Signal: Let other road users know your intentions by giving a right signal in plenty of time. Look out for other side roads on the right or any hazards for example a parked car (even on the right). This could affect your position with on coming traffic. and avoid giving a misleading signal. Remember. think how your signals will be interpreted by others.

Position: In most cases it necessary to change position on approach just to the left of the centre line (if safe to do so). If there is no centre line or the road is narrow, then keep your normal position. You will need to look for your point of turn to avoid cutting corners. To do this, line the front of your car with the centre line in the side road you are turning into to.

Speed: Bring down your speed smoothly and gradually, avoid harsh late braking. You will try and get your speed down to about 10 to 15 mph at about 2 to 3 car lengths from the junction.

Look: What you see then depends on what you will do with your speed. If it’s clear you will generally choose 2nd gear. It is then important to bring your clutch up (this avoids coasting) and gives you full control of your car. Keep your foot off the gas, this is referred to as walking your car. Remember to check your right door mirror just in case someone is overtaking. Also, with turning right you are crossing the path of other vehicles. So, look out for oncoming vehicles. You should not turn if this will cause oncoming vehicles to change speed or direction. Do not turn into the new road if the side road is clear, for example if their is queuing traffic, or pedestrians in the side road and this will cause you to stop and block oncoming traffic.
If it’s not clear or it’s a tight narrow junction you can reduce your speed and choose 1st gear (5mph or lower). This will give you more time and control. Be especially careful of pedestrians who may step out onto the road. Remember pedestrians already on the road have priority. 
Once you have made the turn don’t accelerate until you have straightened up and check your mirrors before you accelerate.

In an automatic car the same speed will apply, 10-15 mph at about 2 to 3 car lengths. Keep your foot off the gas, this will give you the same effect as walking the car (known as creep). 
If it's not clear or a tight junction, slow your car down with the brake to 5mph or lower. This will give you more time and control.
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