Ready? Set...Go! Series: How to pass your road test
Part 3.4- Unable to make a 3-point turn
Making a three point turn is important to learn how to do and can comes in handy when it is legal and safe to do so. You need to develop and use your ability to observe and use caution in making 3 point turns, also known as U-turns, in order to complete one safely.
To make a “by-the-book” 3 point turn, there are really more than just three steps. First, you have to signal, and pull to the right. Now, signal left, observe your surroundings and check your mirrors and blind spots. When it is safe and traffic permits, begin moving your vehicle slowly and start turning the wheel almost all the way, continuing to drive in that direction. When you are as far as you can go without being too close to the curb or on someone’s property, put the car in reverse, and before moving, check your mirrors and blind spots again. Proceed to reverse with caution, put the car in drive and move forward.
These are very vague instructions as there are many precautions needed to make a U-turn successfully and safely. During the road test, you can receive 15 points out of 30, but this can easily turn into an automatic failure without observing, moving slowly, and proceeding safely.
NYS mandates 50 hours of logged driving practice before taking the road test. New York Auto School recommends 20 hours of practice after sunset, 20 hours in busy traffic and 10 hours practicing parking and u-turns. These driving lessons can be serviced by the New York Auto School, in addition to the pre-licensing 5 hour/ MV-278 class, a road-test appointment service, and the defensive driving course. For more information email [email protected] or call 914-779-0444. Thanks!!
Disclaimer: All of this information is intended for greater knowledge of the rules of the road. This is not intended to be the only source of instruction, nor is it meant to replace the NYS drivers manual or practice with a professional instructor.















