California driving lesson · Turns, Merging & Parking
Right 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.
A right turn looks simple, but it crosses the path of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists near the curb. Get close to the right edge early, signal, stop at the right place, and finish in the right lane.
To make a right turn:
Drive close to the right edge of the road; enter a right turn lane at its opening
You may drive in a bike lane within 200 feet of the turn; check blind spots for bicyclists
Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists between you and the curb
Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn
Look over your right shoulder and reduce your speed
Stop behind the limit line
Look both ways (left-right-left) and turn when it is safe
Complete the turn in the right lane; do not turn wide into another lane
It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle in an area designated for public transit buses, but you may cross a bus lane to make a right turn.
From a dedicated right turn lane you may turn even if the light is red for traffic going straight, but you must obey any light or sign on the right curb of that lane.
You're stopped at a red light, first in line, planning to turn right. No sign prohibits it. Stop completely behind the limit line, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, look left-right-left, then turn into the right 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.
Where should you position your vehicle to make a right turn?
Close to the center divider
In the far-left lane
Close to the right edge
In the center turn lane
Answer: Close to the right edge
To make a right turn, drive close to the right edge of the road.
