A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A good turn starts well before the intersection: right lane, early signal, a look both ways and smooth braking. Virginia also limits where U-turns are legal and warns about over-correcting, which causes many single-vehicle crashes.
100 feet
Signal at least three to four seconds (100 feet) before a turn
Signal whenever you change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a highway. It's required by law; signal even if no other traffic is around. After the turn, make sure the signal stops flashing.
Right turn: be in the lane furthest right, signal, check for pedestrians and traffic, brake smoothly, and stop fully first if there's a red light or stop sign. Turn into the lane closest to the curb unless markings direct otherwise.
Left turn: use the furthest left lane possible and turn into the leftmost lane of the new road, unless markings direct otherwise. With multiple left-turn lanes, pick the one that best serves your next move.
While waiting to turn left, keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead, so a rear-end crash won't push you into oncoming traffic. Yield to oncoming vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
U-turns: check for No U-Turn or No Left Turn signs. In business districts, cities and towns, U-turns are allowed only at intersections. Never make a U-turn on a highway.
To make a U-turn, turn on your left signal, stop, and yield to approaching traffic. When clear, turn into the outside (right-hand) lane going the other way.
Most over-correction crashes are single-vehicle and preventable. If you veer off the road, don't panic: gradually slow down, look where you want to go, and slowly steer back.
Your right wheels drift onto the gravel shoulder. Don't panic or jerk the wheel. Gradually reduce your speed, look where you want to go, and slowly steer back onto the roadway.
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 ahead of a turn should you signal?
One second, about 10 feet
Ten seconds, about 500 feet
About 100 feet (3-4 seconds)
Immediately before turning the wheel
Answer: About 100 feet (3-4 seconds)
Signal three or four seconds, about 100 feet, ahead of your turn.
