Turning Right Major to Minor
On approach to the turn, use the same method as you would for a left turn. Below we have explained each step in the MSPSL routine, in order to carry out the perfect right hand turn.
MSPSL
M: Check your interior mirror and your right door mirror before applying your signal. Look out for anything behind you that may be attempting to overtake.
S: Make sure you signal in good time, so it benefits other road users. Be careful of signalling before the road you actually want.
P: Adjust your position so you’re up by the white centre lines but not over. This helps others know that you definitely intend to turn right and if the road is wide enough they can pass you on the left.
S: Reduce your speed to 10mph. If there are no approaching vehicles then select 2nd gear and bring your clutch back up. However, if a vehicle is approaching on the main road, you may need to slow down more. It’s best to try and time your approach, so by the time you get to the right turn, the car has already passed you and you can turn without stopping. If there’s lots of cars coming, it’s not always possible to time your approach – so you will need to stop so the front of your car is in line with the centre lines of the minor road (the road you want to turn into).
L: You need to look ahead and into the minor road before you can turn. It’s important to judge the traffic on the main road correctly. So if you can walk across, then you can drive across – These are guidelines for a 30mph road.
REMEMBER
AVOID: Corner cutting – this means turning too early, meaning that you end up going over the wrong side of the road.
Swan necking: this means turning after the centre lines. If you turn too late you could hit the kerb, or the car behind might not think you’re turning right and then turn before you.
Pedestrians: If a pedestrian is standing around the corner, remember it’s your right of way. However, if they look like they are going to step into the road you will need to be ready to give way. Pedestrians only have priority once they have stepped out into the road.
Cyclists: If you’re in slow moving traffic, just double check your door mirror in case a cyclist is coming up beside you. Avoid overtaking cyclists when approaching a junction.
Steering too slow or crossing hands: Try using a circular dinner plate to practice the pull and push method. Steering from top to bottom. Remember if you are turning right, then your left hand must let go. When you practice, both hands should look like they are mirroring each other.
Wrong gear going into the junction: The MSPSL routine should be done in good time. Once you know the corner you’re turning into, try touching the gear lever briefly with your hand (do not look down though). By finding out what gear you are in early can then help you determine what gear you want on the approach.
