Selecting a location for the 3-point turn
It is important that you select a safe area to conduct a 3 Point Turn. Because this manoeuvre requires you to turn your vehicle across the road of oncoming traffic, make sure that you allow plenty of distance for other road users to see you.
Never do a 3 Point Turn near corners, bends or on the crests of hills.
Never do a 3 Point Turn over unbroken separation lines.
You can do a three-point turn when a road is not wide enough to do a U-turn. It’s called a three-point turn because you usually need to do at least three turns to face the opposite direction.
A three-point turn generally takes longer to do than a U-turn. When you’re in heavy traffic or on a busy road, it’s safer to drive around the block or use a roundabout to turn around.
Start by completing a kerb side stop
- Select a suitable, safe and legal place at the kerb to stop
- Check the centre mirror, signal left then the left mirror and left blind spot (for bicycle riders etc.)
- Ensure that there are no obstructions next to the kerb forward of the centre of the vehicle on the left (reversing area)
- Smoothly slow the vehicle (to just above engine idle speed) using the footbrake operated by the right foot.
- (For manuals) push the clutch down just before reaching engine idle speed to prevent stalling while maintaining light pressure on the footbrake
- Bring the vehicle to a smooth stop without jerking
- Check that the vehicle has stopped
The 3-Point turn
- Check the centre mirror, then the right mirror, then signal right for at least 5 seconds
- Push clutch pedal down (manuals) / right foot on brake pedal (automatics) select first gear (manuals) / confirm drive (automatics)
- Apply appropriate power, (for manuals) clutch to 'friction point'
- Check the centre mirror again, then the right mirror, then over the right shoulder (blind spot check) for traffic (from driveways, roads opposite or U-turning traffic)
- If safe, look forward (release the park brake as required, manual only)
- Accelerate smoothly away from the kerb without stalling or rolling back while turning the steering wheel to the right until on full lock
- Stop before touching the kerb (about 1 metre away)
- Select reverse gear, apply the park brake if required (manual) and check both directions and behind (over shoulders)
- Move off in reverse without rolling or stalling (continue steering left as required), under full control and continue checking in all directions (moving head and eyes) while reversing
- Stop before touching the kerb (about 1 metre away)
- Select first gear apply the handbrake if required (manual) or Drive (auto), and check both ways for traffic (over shoulders)
- When safe, move off down the road maintaining full control of the vehicle without over-steering
Key points
Make sure to do a kerb side stop prior to commencing the 3 Point Turn.
Ensure you indicate your intent for at least 5 seconds before leaving the kerb.
When conducting a 3 Point Turn, it is important you check for other traffic, pedestrians and potential hazards before each directional change.
Make sure to look in the direction of travel during each directional change.
Ensure to indicate when exiting out of a 3 Point Turn.
Mounting the kerb at anytime during the test will result in a fail and may cause damage to your car.
