Basic Maneuvers Chapter Six

Moving into Traffic Visibility: check oncoming traffic and the road. Notice others Time: is there enough time to move into your lane? Be aware of speed limit. How fast are vehicles moving? Space: make sure there is room to enter. Keep safe distance. Move into traffic with one move.

Making the Move Check all traffic. Use mirrors When safe, signal Check blind spot over left shoulder Immediately turn forward while glancing in side mirror. Enter nearest lane while accelerating moderately.

Leaving Traffic Sscan traffic in front of you. Check mirrors for other traffic. More time is needed to slow down and park Make sure there is space to move into.

Making the move Signal Tap brakes Apply gradual pressure on brake Steer out of traffic Get vehicle parallel with roadway edge Turn off signal

Changing Lanes Planning in advance: look ahead seconds Be ready to increase or decrease speed 4 second gap between vehicles Execute the maneuver

Changing Lanes Check mirrors Signal Check over shoulder Speed up or slow down as necessary Move when time and space allows Steer smoothly into next lane

Preparing for a Right Turn Check signs and markings: signs, turning lanes, restrictions, etc. Choose correct lane for the turn, usually farthest right. Tap brakes and signal to tell other drivers your intent Signal should be 3-4 seconds or feet in advance. Don’t signal too early. Get 3-5 feet from curb

Executing the Turn Get 8-11 second gap. Look left just before turning Look through turn. Follow general curve of the curb. Stay in right lane Straighten car as you accelerate

Preparing for Left Turn Check traffic signs and controls Choose correct lane, usually farthest left. Signal 3-4 seconds, 150 ft in advance. Flash brake lights Position vehicle just right of center line or in left most lane on a one-way.

Types of left hand turns Two-way onto two-way Two-way onto one-way One-way onto one-way One-way onto two-way Check these out on pages

Steering in Reverse When backing, you must look in that direction Turn head and shoulder Vehicle turns differently than when moving forward. Points most like to hit something: rear side of vehicle in direction turning and front side of vehicle opposite direction being turned. Check page 123.

Preparing to make a turnabout Is it legal? Ias there 500 ft of visibility in each direction? Hills or curve nearby? Heavy traffic? Space Vehicles or pedestrians in path?

Turnabouts Around the block: it’s the safest Two-pt: backing into driveway on right or heading into driveway on left or right Three-pt: one of the hardest for new drivers. Not very safe. U-turn

Angle and Perpendicular Parking Common in parking lots and side streets Visibility is reduced Give as much space as possible when perp. parking Turn on signal.

Parallel Parking Parallel with the street. Takes practice to become skillful Space should be at least 5 ft longer than your vehicle

Parking on a Hill Downhill: turn wheel to the curb Uphill: turn away from the curb. If no curb, turn away from center of street.

Parking Restrictions Bus stop Loading zone Double parking On a sidewalk Part way out of a driveway Across a driveway Close to a fire hydrant Fire zone in fron of schools

Passing Others Be aware of road signs, pavement markings, and weather conditions You need to accelerate mph faster than vehicle you are passing It is unlawful to go over the speed limit! If passed, stay to the right and do not speed up.