Driving Lessons Video Series: How To Properly Make A U-Turn
A U-turn is one of those tricky driving maneuvers, as people are always concerned on whether or not they can actually legally make the turn. The big takeaway is checking for road signs saying if you can make a U-turn or not and then checking your surroundings to make sure it is safe to make the turn. You will be tested on U-turns during your DMV road test, so it is best to be prepared. Our Driving Lessons video series continues today, as one of our driving instructors will show you how to properly make a U-turn.
What Is A U-Turn?
A U-turn is when you turn your vehicle 180 degrees onto a street that goes in the opposite direction. Drivers are making a U-turn to go back in the direction they were coming from. When it comes to the regulations for U-turns, it depends on where you are driving. Before performing a U-turn, make sure you know the rules for U-turns in that area. Some areas allow U-turns, as long as there is no sign prohibiting them present. However, other locations may prohibit them at all times.
The Steps
Once you determine if it is legal to make the turn or not, actually performing a U-turn is a pretty simple driving maneuver. Here are the steps to perform a safe U-turn:
- U-turns may be performed at an intersection only when there are no signs prohibiting U-turns and the driver has a green arrow or light allowing a left turn.
- Drivers performing U-turns may choose any lane in the new direction.
- Whatever lane they land in is their lane.
- To perform a U-turn, drive far enough into the intersection to clear dividers separating you from the lanes in the other direction.
- Perform the turn using a hand-over-hand steering control.
You can watch everything in action by checking out our driving instructor perform a U-turn here:
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.
About the Author
Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.