K53

K53 three-point turn (turn in the road)

The three-point turn — turning the vehicle in the road using forward and reverse — is a standard K53 yard test. Here's the procedure step-by-step.

The three-point turn is mostly about observation. Stop fully, look fully, then move. Don't rush.

Step-by-step

  1. 1. Full stop

    Stop on the left side of the road. Handbrake on. Full observation.

  2. 2. Move forward

    Indicate right, full observation again, then move forward, steering hard right.

  3. 3. Stop near the opposite kerb

    Stop before contact. Handbrake on. Select reverse.

  4. 4. Reverse

    Indicate left, full observation, reverse while steering hard left.

  5. 5. Final move

    Stop short of the kerb. Select first, indicate, observation, then drive off in the new direction.

Common mistakes

  • Missing observation between direction changes
  • Mounting the kerb
  • Not securing the vehicle with the handbrake when stopped
  • Forgetting the indicator