A 3-minute lesson from the Arizona course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Good turns start early: signal, slow down, get into the correct lane, and finish in the correct lane. Turning rules apply everywhere — driveways and alleys included — and the right lane choice depends on whether each road is one-way or two-way.
Know the rule
Rules for turning apply at all locations, including driveways and alleys. Signal, reduce speed and turn smoothly when safe, watching for pedestrians, mopeds and bicycles.
Right on red: stop completely before the marked or unmarked crosswalk, look for "No Turn On Red" signs, yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and oncoming traffic, and turn into the right lane unless signs direct otherwise.
Left turns from a two-way road onto a two-way road
Know the rule
On a two-way road, turn just left of the center point of the intersection. If a left-turn lane is signed or marked, use it — don't turn left from any other lane.
You're stopped at a red light on a one-way street, wanting to turn left onto another one-way street. With no sign prohibiting it, you may turn after a full stop, yielding to traffic and pedestrians, into the far left lane.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When preparing to turn right, where should you position your vehicle?
Swing left first to widen the turn
Close to the right curb or edge of the road
In the center of the lane
Toward the left side of your lane
Answer: Close to the right curb or edge of the road
As you prepare to turn right, stay close to the right curb or edge of the road; do not swing wide.
Turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street is the only left-turn situation where you may do what?
Turn without signaling
Turn on red after stopping and yielding
Turn without ever stopping
Turn from the far right lane
Answer: Turn on red after stopping and yielding
This is the only left-turn setup where, unless signs prohibit it, you may turn against a red light after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.
