How to make a left turn to safety

If you reach an uncontrolled intersection at close to the same time, the vehicle who actually reached the intersection last is the driver who must yield the right of way. If you reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left should yield the right of way.

“If all other things are equal, left-hand turn must yield to the person going straight,” Cool said. “You do not take turns when both have a stop. Left-hand turn yields.” That seems to jibe with the Driver Guide, which says in part: “Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.”

1. Always keep the steering wheels straight, when waiting for oncoming cars to clear, before making the left turn at an intersection.
2. Always move to the middle of the intersection when waiting for oncoming traffic to clear prior to a left turn at a solid green light.

Left turn from a two-way street. Start the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street. Complete the turn, if safe, in either lane of the cross street (shown by the arrows). Use the center left turn lane if one is available.

Left Turn:

1. Turn on the left turn signal before you make the turn and slow down.
2. Look both ways and make sure that the oncoming lanes are clear.
3. Make the turn from the designated lane (use left lane).
4. Do not enter into the right lane. In some states, it is illegal to enter the right lane after the turn is completed.

If you are turning from the left side, left-turn lane, enter the left lane on the right of the yellow dividing line. If you are turning from the right side, left-turn lane, enter the right lane. Some streets have a center lane marked as a two-way left-turn lane.

“Turn from the lane that is closest to the direction you want to go and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from. “If there are signs or lane markings that allow for two or more turning lanes, stay in your lane during the turn.”

“Crossing multiple lanes in one movement is considered an illegal lane change and, honestly, no driver can read your mind and expect you to fly across the road.” Turn signals, patience and one lane movement at a time will help eliminate poor decisions, Trooper Steve said.

When you change lanes, follow these steps:

• Turn on your signal.
• Check your mirrors.
• Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.
• If it is safe, change lanes.
• Turn off your signal after completing the lane change.

4 – Switch lanes After you have ensured that the lane you intend to enter is clear, slowly steer into the other lane. There is no need to hurry once you have started the turn – don’t make an unsafe lane change because you are in a hurry or stressed.

Generally to do a shoulder check, a driver should peak over the left or right shoulder (whichever direction the vehicle is about to be moved) out the back-side window; although this may vary slightly with different vehicles, such as a convertible with the top up.

Test takers can miss up to 15 points on the California driving test and still pass. The examiner keeps score on a standard form during the drive. Mistakes that don’t pose a serious safety problem count as a one-point deduction.