Driving Tips - Turning the Car Around
Guidance reviewed: 25 September 2026. Use these prompts with professional instruction and the handbook for the vehicle you drive.
Accelerator
Anticipation
Approaching Junctions
Brake
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Clutch
Crossing Other Traffic
Crossroads
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Exterior Mirrors
Gear Lever
Gears
General
Handbrake
Head Restraint
Indicators
Interior Mirror
Making Progress
Meeting Approaching Traffic
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Moving Away
Moving Off
Overtaking
Pedestrian Crossings
Reverse Parking
Reversing
Road Positioning
Safe Distance
Safety Routine
Seat
Seat Belts
Signals
Steering
Steering Wheel
Stopping
T-Junctions
The Engine
Turning the Car Around
Practical Driving Test Tips — Turning the Car Around
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Observation stops during the manoeuvre | Attention is concentrated on steering and control. | Use a very low speed, observe all around throughout and stop whenever another road user may be affected. Practise with an instructor rather than fixed reference points. |
| You attempt to turn where the view or space is unsuitable | Convenience has been prioritised over safety and legality. | Choose a lawful place with a clear view and enough room. Avoid busy roads, bends, junctions and locations where signs or markings prohibit the movement. |
| You expect this as a set manoeuvre on the current car test | It was part of the test before December 2017. | Turn in the road is no longer one of the set car-test manoeuvres, although safely turning a car around remains a useful driving skill. |