How To Make A Three Point Turn: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Do A 3 Point Turn » How To Make A Three Point Turn: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Three Point Turn PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ibrahim Onerli

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Finding the Right Spot to Turn
    • |
  • Beginning the Turn
    • |
  • Completing a Three Point Turn
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ibrahim Onerli. Ibrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 197,258 times.

A three-point turn is designed to help you turn 180 degrees in a small space, like cul-de-sacs, narrow roads, or dead ends. Before you do a three-point turn on the road, practicing it in empty areas is a great way to perfect your technique. Finding a safe spot to turn, beginning the three-point turn, and finishing the third (or final) turn are all essential parts of this roadside maneuver. Once you've practiced the three-point-turn often, you'll be turning 180 degrees on the roads with no trouble!

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Finding the Right Spot to Turn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make three-point turns on a clear, empty road. 1 Make three-point turns on a clear, empty road. Look in both directions to make sure the road is clear and free of cars. The road should be empty enough that you have time to make a turn without a car running into you.[1]
    • Never perform three-point turns during emergencies or on busy roads. The turn is too complex to do in cramped, stressful situations.
  2. Step 2 Pick a point in the road where drivers can clearly see you from a distance. 2 Pick a point in the road where drivers can clearly see you from a distance. Three-point turns take time, and you'll want to find a spot where other drivers can recognize what your car is doing. Avoid, for example, making a three-point turn near a bend or the brow of a hill, as it can block you from the view of other drivers.
    • If you're near an obstruction when you want to make a three-point turn, wait until you pass it before starting the maneuver.
    • The middle of a wide, empty road or cul-de-sac are both ideal spots for making three-point turns.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Chose a spot with space to turn around comfortably. 3 Chose a spot with space to turn around comfortably. Find an area where you'll have room on both sides to turn and maneuver your car. Usually, a two-way road is enough room to make a three-point turn.
    • If you have enough space, try doing a U-turn instead. U-turns are easier to perform and often safer than three-point turns.[2]
  4. Step 4 Check your mirrors and blind spot for cars. 4 Check your mirrors and blind spot for cars.[3] Before starting the three-point turn, make a final survey of your surroundings for cars. Check straight ahead, any car mirrors, and your blind spot for cars and wait until any have passed before making the turn.[4]
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Beginning the Turn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Move your car to the outer part of the lane. 1 Move your car to the outer part of the lane. This will give you more room to turn your vehicle without becoming an obstruction. As you shift positions in your lane, check your rear view mirror for traffic and wait for any cars behind you to pass.[5]
    • Drive carefully, and avoid making any sudden movements as you start the turn.[6]
  2. Step 2 Make a complete stop in the road. 2 Make a complete stop in the road. Check your rear view mirror one last time for cars. If you can't see any, you are ready to begin the three-point turn. Tap your breaks to alert anyone behind you that you're making a turn.
    • Completing a three-point turn should take at least 15-20 seconds. If you don't have enough time before the cars behind you approach, wait and make your turn elsewhere.
  3. Step 3 Turn on your left indicator. 3 Turn on your left indicator. Switch the left indicator on to alert drivers behind you of your intentions if you live in the U.S. or other countries that drive on the right side of the road.[7] If your country drives on the left side of the road, however, turn on your right blinker.[8]
  4. Step 4 Make the first turn to the left. 4 Make the first turn to the left. Stop and check for other cars, then turn your steering wheel all the way to the left. While turning, accelerate your vehicle carefully until you reach the edge of the opposite lane.[9]
    • If you live in a country that drives on the left side of the road, turn to the right instead.
    • If you're practicing three-point turns, accelerate your car slowly. You'll be able to make turns faster when you have experience.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Completing a Three Point Turn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Hit the breaks slowly. 1 Hit the breaks slowly. As you come to a gradual stop, check your rear view mirror quickly for traffic and adjust your speed accordingly. Shift your car in reverse and, after checking for cars, press your foot on the gas pedal.
  2. Step 2 Turn to the right and back your vehicle towards the side of the road. 2 Turn to the right and back your vehicle towards the side of the road. Be sure you're turning toward the side of the road you originally started in until you completely exit the opposing lane. Once you've done this turn, you've completed the second of three points.[10]
    • If you live in a country that drives on the left side of the road, turn to the left.
  3. Step 3 Steer to the left into the opposite lane. 3 Steer to the left into the opposite lane. Shift your vehicle forward and turn your wheel all the way to the left. Continue turning until your car leaves its original lane and enters the opposing road.[11]
    • Again, turn to the right if your country drives on the left side of the road.
    • Completing this turn is the third and, usually, final point.
  4. Step 4 Complete additional turns, if needed. 4 Complete additional turns, if needed. If your car isn't quite in the opposite lane after 3 turns, you need to turn a three-point turn into a multi-point turn. Back up and move forward with your car as many times as you need to enter the opposite lane completely.
    • Multi-point turns are more likely to happen on narrow roads.
    • Take as many points as you need, as long as the road is clear. If it's not, drive ahead and find a better place to turn around or complete the turn faster.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Should I use my turn signals during a 3-point turn? Ibrahim Onerli Ibrahim Onerli Driving Instructor Ibrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving. Ibrahim Onerli Ibrahim Onerli Driving Instructor Expert Answer You should always use your turn signals to let other drivers know where you intend to go. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
  • Question What shoulder do I look over when starting a 3-point turn? Community Answer Community Answer If you turn to your left (which is usually how you start a 3-point turn), you should look over your left shoulder to check for any vehicles that are currently on that side. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 13
  • Question Should I signal when reversing during the turn? Community Answer Community Answer You should definitely signal when starting the turn. You don't need to keep signaling for every directional change while turning though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • In the United Kingdom, a three-point turn is also known as a "turn in the road." If this term shows up on your driving test, they are referring to the same maneuver. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Three-point turns are best for driveways and empty lanes. Never perform a three-point turn during an emergency or on a busy highway. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
  • Be careful when practicing three-point turns for the first time. Find quiet, preferably empty places to practice the turn and avoid busy roads if possible.[12] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Make a Left TurnHow toMake a Left Turn Make Right, Left, and U TurnsHow toMake Right, Left, and U Turns Make a Tight Turn Quickly in a CarHow toMake a Tight Turn Quickly in a Car How to Parallel Park: Expert Tips for Smooth Parking Reverse Into a Car Parking SpaceHow to Reverse Into a Parking Space Like a Pro U‐Turn on a MotorcycleHow toU‐Turn on a Motorcycle Turn Safely on a MotorcycleHow toTurn Safely on a Motorcycle Use the Center Turning LaneHow toUse the Center Turning Lane Teach Somebody How to DriveHow toTeach Somebody How to Drive Learn Traffic RulesHow toLearn Traffic Rules Adjust to Driving a Car on the Left Side of the RoadHow toAdjust to Driving a Car on the Left Side of the Road Use Your Turn SignalHow to Properly Use Your Turn Signals on the Road Angle ParkHow toAngle Park Adjust to Driving a Car on the Right Side of the RoadHow toAdjust to Driving a Car on the Right Side of the Road Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/driving-skill-syllabus/lesson-18/
  2. ↑ http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook//section2.7.0.shtml
  3. ↑ Ibrahim Onerli. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/18-three-point-turn/
  5. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-do-three-point-turn/
  6. ↑ http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook//section2.7.0.shtml
  7. ↑ Ibrahim Onerli. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ http://www.driversedguru.com/drivers-ed-training-exercises/stage-3/stage-3-two-point-three-point-and-u-turns-part-3/
  9. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-do-three-point-turn/
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/about-dmv/chapter-5-intersections-and-turns
  2. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-do-three-point-turn/
  3. ↑ https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/18-three-point-turn/

About This Article

Ibrahim Onerli Co-authored by: Ibrahim Onerli Driving Instructor This article was co-authored by Ibrahim Onerli. Ibrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving. This article has been viewed 197,258 times. 3 votes - 87% Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 197,258 Categories: Learning to Drive Article SummaryX

A 3-point turn can help you turn 180 degrees in a small space, like narrow roads or dead ends. First, find a safe spot for your turn, like a clear, empty road with no obstructions. Before turning, check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure no other vehicles are coming. To begin your turn, move your car to the outer part of the lane to give you more room to work with. Turn on your left blinker and turn your steering wheel all the way to the left while slowly tapping the gas. When you reach the other side of the road, shift into reverse and turn your wheel all the way to the right as you back your car up. Once you back all the way up, shift forward and turn your wheel all the way to the left until your on the opposite side of the road. To learn how to perform a 3-point turn in places where people drive on the left side of the road, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Russian Spanish French
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 197,258 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ibrahim Onerli Co-authored by: Ibrahim Onerli Driving Instructor Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 197,258 87% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Traffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GameAdvanced Roulette GamePlayHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Left TurnHow toMake a Left TurnMake Right, Left, and U TurnsHow toMake Right, Left, and U TurnsMake a Tight Turn Quickly in a CarHow toMake a Tight Turn Quickly in a CarParallel ParkHow to Parallel Park: Expert Tips for Smooth Parking

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Featured Articles

115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

How Will I Die QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizCognitive TestCognitive TestTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Driving Vehicles
  • Learning to Drive
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --572

Tag » How To Do A 3 Point Turn