3 Point turn

3 point turn

On the restricted licence test if you don't do a parallel park then you will likely do a 3 point turn. Some people find it the easier manoeuvre of the two mainly because there is less judgement involved. Although it is called a 3 point turn sometimes it can take more turns, eg 5 especially if the road is narrow or you have a larger vehicle.

Follow the steps below to do a confident 3 point turn:

1. Check mirrors and blind spots before you start. When it is safe give a right signal and start the car moving slowly and steer briskly to the right. Aim to get on hard lock as quickly as possible.

2. Keep steering on hard lock until you get near the kerb. Aim for a right angle to the kerb if possible.

3. Just before you stop steer briskly back to the left and aim to get your wheels at least straight if you can. This makes it easier when you reverse. Stop next to the kerb. Before you reverse check mirrors and blindspots to make sure it's safe.

4. Reverse back steering briskly to the left again. Make sure you're looking behind at this point over your left shoulder.

5. As you near the kerb look over your right shoulder and steer briskly back to the right again aiming to at least straighten the wheels. Stop near the kerb. Avoid hitting the kerb at this point as it can damage the wheels and endanger pedestrians.

6. If you managed the first two turns okay then this part is easy. Check around for traffic again paying particular attention to your left. There could be a vehicle approaching. If safe then move forward then steer right  aiming the car accross the other of the road and toward the kerb and facing in the opposite direction to when you started.

7. At this point don't forget to signal your intention to stop next to the kerb.

8. Straighten wheels and stop near the kerb.