How to Properly Turn When Driving (Tips for Learners)

Summary

In this driving lesson, Jasmine receives guidance from her coach on improving her driving skills, particularly with turns, lane changes, and maintaining awareness of her surroundings. Jasmine confidently handles driving straight, stopping smoothly, and gradually increases her comfort with turns and speed. The coach emphasizes key techniques, such as checking mirrors, blind spots, and keeping calm during maneuvers. By the end, Jasmine feels more comfortable with handling intersections, turns, and adjusting her driving style for various situations, like unprotected turns and faster roads.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The coach emphasizes the importance of checking the blind spot before lane changes.
• 🛑 The learner is getting more comfortable with stopping and right-of-way, but still working on steering.
• 🔄 During turns, the coach advises on keeping elbows close to the body for better control.
• 👀 Checking mirrors and blind spots are critical steps that the learner is improving on.
• 🔧 The coach encourages practicing lane changes by following the steps: rear-view mirror, side mirror, and blind spot check.
• 🚶‍♂️ The learner is reminded to look out for pedestrians and dogs while reversing out of a parking spot.
• 👍 The learner feels more confident driving straight and navigating in the neighborhood at lower speeds.
• 🏁 Speed comfort is gradually increasing, with 25 mph preferred in neighborhoods, but the learner is adjusting to higher speeds like 30 mph.
• 🛣️ The coach stresses the importance of tracking the car’s positioning, especially when avoiding obstacles like potholes.
• 🔄 Turns, especially right turns, are being actively practiced, with attention to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this driving lesson?

The main focus is on practicing basic driving skills, particularly driving straight, making turns, checking mirrors and blind spots, and managing speed.

Why is it important to check both mirrors and blind spots during lane changes?

Checking mirrors and blind spots ensures the driver is aware of any vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that may be in their blind spot, reducing the risk of collisions during lane changes.

What specific advice does the coach give for making tight turns while reversing out of a parking spot?

The coach advises turning the wheel all the way to the left until it can't turn anymore to make a tight turn, and emphasizes looking over both shoulders for pedestrians, cars, or other obstacles.

How does the coach suggest handling turns to improve steering?

The coach suggests keeping elbows inward while turning and advises practicing steering control by making smooth and deliberate wheel movements, such as pushing the wheel up with the bottom hand during an S-curve.

What is the key takeaway for making right turns according to the driver?

The driver mentions that right turns are more challenging, and it's important to check mirrors, blind spots, and ensure elbows stay in while making these turns.

How does the coach recommend dealing with oncoming traffic that crosses into your lane?

The coach suggests watching the oncoming vehicle's tires and their distance from the yellow line to anticipate if they are crossing into your lane, and staying alert to potential dangers.

Why does the driver prefer driving at 25 mph rather than faster speeds?

The driver feels more comfortable driving at 25 mph in neighborhoods because it is less stressful than driving at 30 mph, where everything feels like it is moving faster and can be overwhelming.

What are the coach's tips for handling intersections and pedestrians?

The coach advises keeping intersections clear to avoid blocking traffic when lights change and emphasizes watching for pedestrians, even when it seems like they might not cross, to ensure safety.

What does the coach recommend doing if a driver has to make a quick lane change?

The coach suggests making the mirror-blind spot check a habit, so the driver can instinctively act quickly and safely in emergencies, ensuring they’re always aware of their surroundings.

What is the driver’s approach to improving turns between lessons?

The driver plans to focus on being more mindful of thumb placement on the steering wheel, keeping elbows close to the body, and maintaining calm control over the wheel during turns.