Making three-point turns

A three-point turn is a way to turn around when the road isn’t wide enough to do a U-turn.

Where should you practise this?

• Choose a flat street where you can see at least 50m in each direction.
• The street needs to be narrow enough so you can’t complete the turn in one movement like a U-turn.

How to do a three-point turn

Pulling over and starting the turn:

• Look for a place to pull over where you can see any traffic coming up or down the street.
• Indicate left and pull over to the kerb.
• Stop your car parallel to, and within 30cm of, the kerb.
• Indicate right for at least 3 seconds before starting the turn.
• Check your mirrors and over your right shoulder just before you pull out to start your turn.

Completing the turn:

• Make the turn in no more than three movements (forward, back, forward).
• Complete the turn without using any driveways and without touching the kerb.
• Return to the correct side of the road as you complete the third movement.
• Check your mirrors and over your shoulder before pulling back into traffic.

Tips for the test

You’ll only have to do a three-point turn in the test if there isn’t a suitable place to do a reverse parallel park. If the Testing Officer does ask you to do one, keep the points below in mind.

• When the Testing Officer asks you to pull over and do a three-point turn, make sure you stop in a safe and legal place.
• Do the turn without using driveways or entering private property at any stage.
• Do the turn without running any wheels up onto the kerb, or bumping a kerb hard enough to jolt your passengers.
• You will have two minutes to complete the turn.