Everything about making a half turn
Performing a half-turn is one of the special maneuvers you must master to take your practical driving test. Below you will find a detailed step-by-step plan, extra tips, and an explanatory video by driving school SafetyDrivers on how to perform a half-turn correctly!
Step-by-step plan for a half turn
Step 1
Look for enough space to turn around in one go. The space required varies and depends, among other things, on the size of your car and the turning angle. If you have enough space, make sufficient use of it to ensure you make it. Do not choose a location where it is too busy, where you have to wait a long time, or where turning is not permitted.
Step 2
Before moving to the right to position yourself, you must first check if this can be done safely (consider moped or bicycle riders who may be approaching at high speed). Therefore, while approaching, first look forward, in the rearview mirror, forward again, in the right side mirror, and over your right shoulder. Indicate your intention to turn right and then brake gently. If you are riding in too high a gear for the half-turn, downshift to 2nd gear in good time.
Step 3a
Just before getting into the correct lane, check one more time if it is still safe to steer to the right. To do this, first look forward (to determine your driving route), check the rearview mirror, look straight ahead, check the right side mirror, and over your right shoulder.
Step 3b
After positioning yourself on the right side of the road, check if you can safely steer to the left. To do this, look ahead, in the rearview mirror, forward again, in the left side mirror, and over your left shoulder. Determine whether you are being overtaken or if someone is approaching from the front so that you can steer safely.
Step 4
If it is really safe, drive on calmly and then steer quickly to the left by changing hands.
NB! This is indeed the time when many accidents occur, and unfortunately sometimes with fatal consequences! Therefore, only steer if there are no oncoming vehicles approaching at high speed at a short distance and you are not being overtaken.
Step 5
If you are positioned sideways, look over your shoulders to both sides to check if it is still safe. While looking, check if anyone is approaching and determine their speed of approach. Should someone be approaching at high speed, you should resolve this safely by proceeding more quickly or by waiting briefly and yielding. This depends partly on the space available to you.
Step 6
If the car on the other side of the road is level, check one more time to be sure before entering the lane. Look ahead, in your rearview mirror, forward, in your left side mirror, and over your left shoulder; if it is still safe, enter the lane and proceed smoothly to the maximum speed.
NB! This is also an important moment when many accidents occur. Look consciously in your mirrors to determine if someone is really approaching and also determine their approach speed.
Step 7
While accelerating, check your rearview mirror and left side mirror one more time to determine if anyone is approaching and if you are being overtaken.
Extra tips:
- Keep a close eye on moped riders, as they often ride faster and overtake you.
- Keep consciously looking around you regularly; this way, you prevent accidents.
