“The 3 Point Turn” as it was previously known, when I was learning to drive!
Nowadays, it’s known as the ‘Turnabout’ or ‘Turn in the Road’ manoeuvre because you are allowed to take more the 3 movements. In general, most pupils get this manoeuvre without much difficulty but there are still some key things to remember before, during and after!
- Parking before the manoeuvre! The tester will tell you to pull up on the left ahead. A lot of pupils for some reason leave their mirror and signal checks very late as they pull in. Generally, once the tester gives the instruction, very soon after, check mirrors and signal left. You still may have 30-50 metres til you park, but be sure to give early warning for road users behind you.
- Once you park, breath and re-set yourself. You may have had a few wobbly moments before this, so its a good chance to pause and relax.
- At the start of the manoeuvre, you are essentially doing the moving off manoeuvre (see my video course for this). Now, if you forget to signal, it’s not technically a mark, but obviously it is better to do so. So don’t fret if you forget.
- Please don’t forget the Blindspot Check (see video course), just before you actually move out.
- As you go across the road, forward and backwards, keep good all round observation. I always say imagine a bunch of kids were doing ring a rosy around the car and you have to watch all of them!! 😂
- “Steer fast and Drive Slow” – this is my key instruction for this manoeuvre! Steering fast enables a tighter turn and driving slow ensures you have ample time to do all the observations.
- Before your last movement, PLEASE LOOK LEFT. Even though a car might not fit in front of you, a cyclist/moped/scooter might.
Brendan Tierney is a Brand Ambassador of KennCo Insurance.
KennCo Insurance understands that getting car insurance for your first car can be challenging. That’s why they offer affordable and reliable young driver car insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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