How to Do a 3-Point Turn
Last updated · How we research and review
The 3-point turn (also called a K-turn or turn in the road) flips your direction on a road too narrow for a U-turn. It's a driving-test staple and a genuinely useful skill. The secret is full steering locks at crawling speed — the car does the geometry for you.
Only attempt a 3-point turn where it's legal and you can see clearly in both directions — never on a hill crest, a curve, a highway, or near an intersection. You will cross both lanes: you must yield to everyone. If traffic appears mid-maneuver, stop and let it pass.
What you'll need
- A quiet, straight road with good visibility both ways
- No traffic, pedestrians, or driveways in the maneuver zone
The steps
Tap through one step at a time — built for one-handed use at the roadside — or switch to all 7 steps to read ahead or print.
Step 1 of 7: Pick the right spot
Step 1: Pick the right spot
Choose a straight, flat stretch with clear visibility in both directions and no driveways or junctions. The wider the road relative to your car, the fewer points you'll need.
Step 2: Signal right and pull to the right edge
Signal, check mirrors, and pull over to the right side of the road, stopping close to the curb or edge. Come to a complete stop — every leg of a 3-point turn starts from stationary.
Step 3: Check both directions — properly
Look left, right, and left again, plus mirrors and blind spots. You're about to swing across the oncoming lane, so anything approaching — car, bike, pedestrian — means wait.
Legally, a vehicle making a 3-point turn must yield to all other traffic. If someone appears while you're mid-maneuver, stop where you are and let them pass.
Step 4: Full left lock, crawl across the road
Signal left. Turn the wheel fully left BEFORE moving, then crawl forward at walking pace across the road. Straighten slightly and stop just before the opposite curb — your nose should be near the edge, car roughly perpendicular to the road.
Step 5: Full right lock, reverse back
Shift to reverse. Turn the wheel fully right BEFORE moving, then reverse slowly while looking over your right shoulder. Stop before the far edge — you're now pointing roughly the way you came, but reversed in the lane.
Step 6: Forward with left lock, straighten out
Shift to drive, turn the wheel left, and pull forward into the correct lane for your new direction, straightening as you go. On a very narrow road, repeat the reverse-and-forward cycle as needed — a '5-point turn' is fine.
Step 7: Final check, then proceed
Check mirrors and blind spots once more, signal if needed, and pull away smoothly in your new direction. Cancel any signal that's still on.