Approaching junctions to turn right: Issues

The information in the 'issues' videos and text relate to basic errors and their correction and assume that the errors are caused directly by the actions of the learner. However, you must always be certain that you are not contributing to the error by late or unclear instruction or direction or by not offering sufficient information or feedback.

Our suggested issues do not form an exhaustive list, however, if you can spot and sort out these problems you should be well on your way to delivering an effective right turn approaching lesson. Remember that ideally the only thing you are watching for is a perfect drive... Anything else is a problem!

Many of the issues associated with approaching to turn left are also appropriate here. (See steps 4 to 8 in approaching left)

Road position before turning

Too far left or right on approach: Make sure that your learner is looking well ahead and scanning the road. Also check that the mirrors are being used correctly - 'quick glances' as opposed to 'long stares'.

Too far left when waiting to turn: This could be a judgment issue or concern about approaching traffic.

Too far forwards while waiting to turn: Many instructors teach 'line the front of the bonnet with the centre line in the side road' or a similar method using the driver's door mirror. This is usually too far forwards and can lead to steering errors when turning. The forward position will depend on the width of the road that you are turning into - unless it is a particularly wide road, around half-a-car-length back from the centre-line of the side road will allow enough space to steer.

See DriverActive 'Waiting position' on this page: DriverActive Turning Right

Angling the steering to the right while waiting to turn

The front wheels should be pointing straight ahead to minimise risks if hit from behind.

Incorrect positioning when turning right from a narrow road.

Learners will often take information literally. This means that if you explain that the car should be positioned to the right when turning right the learner might take up a position to the right completely blocking the road for approaching traffic.

Note: 'Narrow' refers to available road width. The road could be narrow because of parked vehicles on the right.

If this happens, pull up for a moment and explain the relationship between road width and road positioning when turning right using your Visual Teaching System.

Next: Observation when turning right...