During your driving lessons you will be required to take many left and right turns. Some of these may be on busy or high speed roads, whilst others may be on narrow, quiet residential streets.

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When making left or right turns there is a correct method that must be adhered to which the examiner will be expecting you to follow the MSPSL process:

 

Mirrors

Signal 

Position

Speed

Look

 

MSPSL

The MSPSL routine helps the learner driver to turn safely, applying all the necessary procedures needed to perform this manoeuvre correctly.

 

Mirrors

It is important to check the rear view mirror and the corresponding door mirror in the direction of the junction you are turning into. Failing to do this may see you miss a hazard that could cause an accident, particularly cyclists in the left mirror and over-taking vehicles in the right mirror. If you see a hazard, a different course of action may be required.

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Signal

It is important to communicate your intention to turn by using the indicator. You will need to consider the timing of the signal so that there is no confusion – for example if there is another turn before the one you are going to take you may need to delay the signal. The signal should be applied in good time if possible, allowing enough time for other road-users to react and slow down.

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Position

It is important to position the car correctly. If you are turning left, you should remain one metre from the curb, and if you are turning right, it is important to position left of the centre white line; or in the case of no road markings, slightly left of the centre of the road.

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Speed

Whether you are turning left or right, it is important to slow down to a manageable speed. This is often performed at the same time as the tasks above. It is common practice to turn at about 10-13 MPH, but tighter bends may require a slower speed. If you are turning right you may have to give way to on-coming traffic. If this is the case, it is important to bring the car to a stop at the point of turn, just to the left of the centre line and apply the handbrake.

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Look

During this manoeuvre it is vital that you look into the junction as well as the road ahead for any hazards or approaching vehicles. Early checks can aid with spotting and reacting to on-coming problems. 

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Manoeuvre 

Turn the wheel briskly and sufficiently to avoid going onto the wrong side of the road. 

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If you are turning right, make sure that you don’t cut the corner as this can put you into the path of oncoming vehicles. 

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If you are turning left be wary of clipping the curb as this might put pedestrians at risk and straighten the wheel as you move onto the new road to prevent oversteer.

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When on the new road, check your rear view mirror for following cars and accelerate towards the speed limit if it is appropriate to do so.

 

Quick Tips

• Always apply the MSPSL routine on approach to a junction.

• Brake early and consistently.

• Look into the road you are moving into. This way there won't be any surprises like blockages or cars on the wrong side of the road.

• Once the turn is complete- straighten up the wheel and cancel the indicator as soon as possible.

• Make sure the car remains on the correct side of the road at all times

• Check mirrors and Increase speed on the new road to make progress and get out of the way of following vehicles.