Driving Lessons for Turning Left at Junctions
Blue School of Motoring can tailor a driving course that will help you cope with all of the following. Your driving instructor can help you with this.

Get into the Habit of using the Mirror-Signal-Position-Speed-Look(MSPSL) routine early when approaching junctions or any other hazards such as obstructions in the road.
The examiner on your driving test will expect you to:-
- Use the MSPSL routine in good time
- Brake gently and in good time
- Position your vehicle correctly - Choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street
- Look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians
The examiner will also be looking to see that you: -
- Correct use of MSPSL
- Safe and correct assessment of other road users.
You get excellent instruction on how to turn left into a side road major to minor and have an excellent knowledge of the road rules associated with this.
While carrying out the junction routine you must keep a constant look-out for other road users. Doing this will help to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the correct decisions about your intended actions.

Look Out
For Signs and road markings indicating priorities
Mirrors
As soon as you are aware that there is a junction or other hazard ahead, you must check your mirrors to see what is happening behind. Just looking is not enough. You must ask yourself the question, 'Is it safe to carry out the manoeuvre?' A manoeuvre is any action involving a change to your speed or position.
Signal
When you are sure that it's safe to proceed, give the appropriate signal and in plenty of time. This gives others a chance to see them!
Position
Check your mirrors again to ensure that it's safe to move into the correct position for the junction.
Speed and Gear
Use the footbrake to ensure that you have plenty of time to change gear before the junction. If things seem rushed, you're going too fast. Make a final observation check all around and then complete your manoeuvre.
Final Observation - Look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians.

Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any oncoming vehicle. Check your side mirror for anyone fool enough to be overtaking you before you turn ( yes it does happen! )Keep a special look-out for cyclists or motorbikes travelling along close to the kerb. Sometimes these are hidden from your view behind oncoming cars or lorries. Give way to pedestrians crossing any road you are turning into. Watch out for those with their backs to you. They may not have seen or heard you and could walk into the road without looking.
The main danger when turning left is from dangers in the road you are taking.
Slow down and wait until any pedestrians have crossed at the junction. Don't be afraid to stop when you reach the point of your turn if it is not safe. When the way is clear move away smartly and do not cause an obstruction. When turning left into the new road make sure you look into the road before you go. Avoid going too wide because another vehicle could be approaching or overtaking a car on their side of the road.
For this the lesson will cover the relevant areas are:
- mirrors
- signal
- brakes
- gears
- coasting
- too slow on approach
- position
- pedestrians
- cross approaching traffic
- right corner cut
