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How to Safely Complete a Three-Point Turn

Three-point turns are like that weird coworker at the office: they’re nice enough once you get to know them. This kind of driving maneuver is famous for its apparent difficulty despite being relatively easy to learn how to do. That’s largely because, until you learn the process outlined in this article, they seem much harder than they actually are. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

What Is a Three-Point Turn?

A three-point turn is a driving maneuver named after the number of points in the turn: three. This driving maneuver requires you to move forward and backward through three points, turning more and more with each one, so that you can turn a vehicle around with limited space. This maneuver is a common part of road tests when obtaining your driver license.

When Would You Use a Three-Point Turn?

Knowing when to use a three-point turn can oftentimes be more difficult than actually executing the maneuver. That’s because the latter is a simple technique that can be easily practiced whereas the former comes from experience and an ability to “eyeball” the road.

You should use a three-point turn when the following conditions are met:

• Three-point turns are legally allowed by law (make sure you’re not crossing a solid yellow lane marker).
• Your vehicle cannot turn sharply enough in the available space to make a U-turn.
• There is no ability to turn around in an intersection or by pulling off into a parking lot or other off-road location.

Other Names for a Three-Point Turn

Three-point turns are called plenty of things, but no name is as common as “three-point turn.” Here’s a brief list of other phrases that people might use when referring three-point turns:

• Y-turn
• K-turn
• Broken U-turn

Each of these different names are derived from the shape of the turn.

How to Complete a Three-Point Turn

Now that you know what a three-point turn is, it’s time to learn how to make one. The seven steps described in detail below contain everything you’ll need to know about how to make a three-point turn on a one-lane road:

Step 1: Move to the Right Side of the Lane

Start by moving as far right in your lane as you can. If you have a bigger than average vehicle, you might not be able to move over much at all. That’s okay! Just move over as much as you can. Every inch matters and can save you from having to turn your three-point turn into a four-point turn.

Step 2: Signal

Turn on your left turn signal to notify other drivers that are about to make a turn. If they see that there is no intersection or turn lane coming up, they will most likely realize what you are about to do: a three-point turn.

Now is when you will begin to slow down. This combination of activating your turn signal and slowing down is universally agreed upon to mean that you are about to make a legal turn.

Step 3: Check Your Mirrors

Before initiating the turn, check your mirrors. This will ensure that no other traffic is likely to rear-end you when you start making your turn. If there are other vehicles coming from the same direction as you, make sure that they see your signal and slow down to give you room to maneuver. 

Step 4: Check for Vehicles Moving in the Opposite Direction

Once you’ve ensured that you’re clear from traffic moving in the same direction as you, check for traffic moving in the opposite direction as you. Since traffic moving in the opposite direction is staying in its lane and you are merging from yours into theirs, drivers in oncoming traffic will have the right of way. Let them pass and verify that the road is clear before you move on to step five.

Step 5: Point One

Steps one through four were all about increasing your safety and making sure you’re following the law. This step marks the beginning of the actual turning maneuver. Begin by turning your steering wheel as far to the left as you safely can. Then accelerate to between 5 and 15 miles per hour to make the first leg of the turn.

Stop once you cannot safely go any further. Do not drive off the road. Do not drive into the median. Do not break the law in any way or endanger other drivers or pedestrians while making your turn. If you cannot go any further forward, that’s okay. Stop.

Step 6: Point Two

Put the vehicle in reverse and turn your wheel as far to the right as possible. Use your mirrors and any safety equipment (such as backup cameras) and check over your shoulder to view your blind spots throughout the entirety of this step.

Once the vehicle is in reverse, the wheel is turned all the way to the right, and it is safe to do so, begin backing up the vehicle at a safe turning speed. Move the vehicle back until you are mostly within the lane that you want to use.

Note that you might still be crooked or unaligned with the lane you’re trying to merge into. That will be resolved in the next and final step.

Step 7: Point Three

The last step of the process is the third point. Put your vehicle back into drive and turn the steering wheel slightly to the left. Once again, check to make sure that nobody else is in your way or will be likely to hit you (or vice versa) when you start moving again.

Once it’s safe to do so, begin accelerating to a safe turning speed. Adjust the steering wheel to straighten out your vehicle and center it in your new lane. Accelerate to the speed limit or whatever road conditions determine to be the safest speed for you to drive at and then continue on your way.

Congratulations! You have now completed your first three-point turn.