California driving lesson · Turns, Merging & Parking
Left turns
A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Left turns cross oncoming traffic, so position, timing and wheel direction matter. Keep your wheels straight while you wait so a rear-end crash can't push you into oncoming cars.
To turn left:
Drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane
Enter a designated left turn lane at the opening; do not cross any solid line
Enter a two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn
Start signaling 100 feet before the turn
Look over your left shoulder and reduce your speed
Stop behind the limit line (or before the crosswalk or intersection if none)
Look left-right-left and begin your turn when it is safe
When entering a two-way center left turn lane, respect the right-of-way of any vehicle, bicyclist, or motorcyclist already in it. Always yield to pedestrians.
Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn. If they point left and you are hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
You're waiting in the intersection to turn left with oncoming traffic streaming past. Keep your wheels straight, not cranked left. If someone rear-ends you, you'll be pushed forward instead of into the oncoming 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.
How far before a left turn should you start signaling?
50 feet
300 feet
100 feet
200 feet
Answer: 100 feet
Start signaling 100 feet before a left turn, the same as a right turn.
