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Intersections - Learner Driver Tips [EBOOK] Ch 10
April 30, 2019 at 11:20 AM
In Chapter 10, learn about approaching intersections and the key tips to remember when turning either left or right.
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10.1 INTERSECTIONS – HOW TO APPROACH THEM
10.2 TURNING LEFT
10.3 TURNING RIGHT
10.1 INTERSECTIONS – HOW TO APPROACH THEM
When driving up to an intersection, it’s necessary to plan where you are going in advance so that you can position your car correctly on the road. Be on the lookout for where the turning lan
es are marked so that you choose the right one.
There’re several steps you need to remember each time you are approaching an intersection. They are; mirrors, signal, course, brake, gear, and assess. You can use the mnemonic “My Safety Cannot Be Given Away” to remember.
You should apply these steps in the following way:
- Mirrors: Check your mirrors constantly as you approach the intersection.
- Signal: Indicate the direction you are going if you are turning.
- Course: Plan on how you will get to where you want to go.
- Brake: Slow down to about 15-20 km/h to enable you to stop if you need to.
- Gear: Shift to at least 2nd gear if driving a manual vehicle.
- Assess: Is it safe to go or not? Decide and act accordingly.
Remember to:
- Keep an eye out for any cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
- Be ready to give way even when you are not meant to as other drivers can make mistakes.
10.2 TURNING LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION
Turning left at intersections is easier than turning right. That’s because you don’t need to cross over a lane of traffic and
the number of vehicles you need to give way to are fewer. However, you’ll have to give way if the car opposite yours is at a Give Way sign and you are at a Stop Sign – even if they are turning right.
When approaching the intersection follow these steps: check your mirrors; signal left; plan your course; slow down; change to the appropriate gear (for manual vehicles); and assess your surrounding keenly.
Once you’ve followed all these steps, do another quick check before turning:
- Check your blind spot and mirrors for cyclists on your inside.
- Check again for approaching traffic on your right as there could be a bike or car that you missed. If you are not sure, wait until you are.
- Check around the corner you’re taking to ensure it’s clear.
- Once you take the turn, increase your speed smoothly to match that of the cars around you.
Take a look at our video on Left Turns at T Intersections.
10.3 TURNING RIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION
Turning right is quite similar to turning left at intersections, but there’re several more things that you’ll need to think about as you’ll have to cross a lane of traffic 
when making the turn.
As you approach the intersection, go through the pre-turn routine that involves: checking your mirrors, signalling the direction you’re going, planning your course, slowing down, shifting to the appropriate gear (for manuals), and assessing your surroundings.
Completing a right turn
Once you’ve completed the turn routine, follow these steps to complete the turn:
- If you are at a Give Way, Stop or an uncontrolled intersection, look at both sides of the road (right and left) and ahead (if necessary.)
- Look right and left once more to ensure it’s completely safe.
- Perform the last check as you begin to move just in case you missed something.
- Check whether it’s clear where your car will be once you make the turn for course planning.
- Once you make the turn, increase your speed smoothly to match that of other vehicles around you.
Remember to always give yourself some room (enough space that you can see some road over your bonnet) when behind another car at an intersection.
Take a look at our video on Right Turns at T Intersections.
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