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Texas driving lesson · Signaling, Passing & Turning

Turning

A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
4 minutes
Course unit
Signaling, Passing & Turning
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
45, 46, 47

Turning looks simple, but many crashes and much confusion come from bad turns. Texas lists seven steps for a safe turn, plus the exact lanes to start and finish in for right and left turns.

Seven steps to a safe turn

  • Decide before you reach the turning point; never make a last-minute turn
  • Look behind and to both sides before changing lanes
  • Move into the proper lane as soon as possible (sooner when traffic is faster)
  • Signal at least 100 feet before you turn
  • Slow to a reasonable turning speed before the turn; don't use brake or clutch while turning
  • Stay in the proper lane throughout the turn
  • Finish the turn in the proper lane
Handbook p. 45 ↗

Know the rule

If you can't get into the proper lane within one-half block before the turn, don't turn: continue straight ahead.

Handbook p. 45 ↗

Know the rule

With a hand signal, hold it until you're close enough to the intersection for others to know your intention, but don't hold it during the turn; you need both hands on the wheel.

Handbook p. 46 ↗

Right turn

  • Signal a lane change well ahead and, when safe, move to the far right lane
  • Use your right signal and slow down at least 100 feet from the corner
  • Look both ways before starting to turn
  • Keep as close as possible to the right edge of the road
  • Turn using both hands on the wheel
Handbook p. 46 ↗

Left turn

  • Signal a lane change well ahead and, when safe, move into the center lane
  • Use your left signal and slow down at least 100 feet from the corner
  • Look in all directions; stay right of the center line as you enter; yield to oncoming vehicles
  • Turn to the right of the center line of the new road, into the lane where you interfere least
  • After the turn, you may signal and change lanes if needed
Handbook p. 46 ↗
Left turn path
Left turn from a two-way street

Know the rule

Left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street: turn from the left lane into the right lane moving in the same direction.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
Turning from a one-way street
One-way onto two-way

Know the rule

Left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street: enter the lane where you'll interfere least with other traffic.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
Turning onto a one-way street
Two-way onto one-way

Watch for pavement markings and signs that:

  • Permit turning right or left from or into two or more traffic lanes
  • Give other special turning or lane information
Handbook p. 47 ↗

Put it into practice

You're in the center lane when you realize your right turn is at the next corner, half a block away, and the right lane is full. Don't cut across. Go straight, then find a safe way to come back.

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 making a right turn, where should you keep your vehicle?
  1. Near the center line so you can swing wide
  2. As close as possible to the right edge of the road
  3. In the middle of the lane
  4. In the left lane to widen the turn

Answer: As close as possible to the right edge of the road

For a right turn, keep as close as possible to the right edge of the road.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
You realize too late that you're in the wrong lane as you approach a turn. What should you do?
  1. Cut across lanes quickly to make the turn
  2. Go straight instead of forcing the turn
  3. Stop in the intersection and wait
  4. Reverse to get into the correct lane

Answer: Go straight instead of forcing the turn

If you can't get into the proper lane within about half a block, don't turn; continue straight.

Handbook p. 45 ↗
When completing a left turn, where should you position your vehicle relative to the center line?
  1. To the left of the center line, in the oncoming lane briefly
  2. Straddling the center line
  3. To the right of the center line of the road you're entering
  4. In the far-left lane of the new road

Answer: To the right of the center line of the road you're entering

Complete a left turn by turning to the right of the center line of the road you're entering.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
When turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, which lane should you turn from?
  1. The left lane of the one-way street
  2. The right lane of the one-way street
  3. Any lane, if you signal first
  4. The center lane of the one-way street

Answer: The left lane of the one-way street

When turning left from a one-way street, turn from the left lane.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
What is the first of the seven steps for making a safe turn?
  1. Turn the wheel sharply at the last second
  2. Apply the brakes hard, then turn
  3. Decide on your turn well in advance
  4. Signal only after you begin turning

Answer: Decide on your turn well in advance

Deciding early, rather than making a last-minute turn, is the first step to a safe turn.

Handbook p. 45 ↗
Turning left onto a one-way street from a two-way street, which lane should you enter?
  1. Always the far-left lane, regardless of traffic
  2. Always the far-right lane, regardless of traffic
  3. The center lane only
  4. The lane that least interferes with traffic

Answer: The lane that least interferes with traffic

Enter the one-way street in the lane that interferes least with other traffic.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
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