Turning Left

The hazard routine is shown in the diagrams below. As the name suggests, we use use the hazard routine as a safe way to deal with any hazard, a hazard is anything that could cause you to change your speed or position.

Dealing with junctions, must be carried out safely, using a safe system to approach is very important. Using the hazard routine (MSPSGL) as shown in the diagrams below. First you should decide in plenty of time, where the junction is, look for gaps between buildings, street signs, road markings.

When you have decided where the junction is, you should look in your mirrors (main mirror then the door mirror depending on which way you are turning), act safely depending on what you see in the mirrors.

Signal early to let other road users know what you are going to do. Make sure this signal does not confuse other road users.

When turning left, you should keep your normal driving position from the kerb.

When turning left, your speed is normally reduced to a safe speed to turn into the new road safely and under control. If you are able to see clearly into the new road 12 to 15mph is safe, a narrower road or not being able to see clearly into the new road would need a slower speed 5mph or less.

Once your speed has been reduced, you may need to match your gear to the speed of the car. At about 12mph this would mean 2nd gear is needed, if you have reduced your speed more you will need 1st gear. You should leave enough time and space to change the gear and ease the clutch back up before steering into the new road.

As your hands will follow your eyes, you should be looking into the new road as you turn into it.