The Turnabout – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Mastering the turnabout (or three-point turn) is an essential skill for the Irish driving test. It’s designed to demonstrate to examiners that you can safely and under complete control turn your car on a narrow road, while maintaining proper observation and courtesy to other road users. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the manoeuvre and explain precisely what to do if traffic approaches while you’re mid-turn.

Step-by-Step

Before you start (choose a safe spot)

  • Pick a quiet, straight section with good visibility both ways (not near a junction, bend, brow of a hill, pedestrian crossing, bus stop or driveway).
  • Pull in and stop close and parallel to the left kerb. Signal left to pull in only if it benefits others, then cancel.
  • Handbrake on, select neutral, set the car up (seat, mirrors), and plan the manoeuvre.

General rules throughout

  • Work in small, slow, controlled movements—think Prepare → Observe → Move each time.
  • Keep it walking pace with smooth clutch control (manual) or gentle creep (auto).
  • 360° observation before each movement: mirrors, over both shoulders, and ahead.
  • No indicators during the turnabout itself (they can mislead). Signal only when pulling in/out if it clearly helps someone.

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  1. Move from left kerb towards the right kerb

    1. Prepare: 1st gear (or D), find bite (manual), handbrake set.
    2. Observe: Full 360° check—left mirror → ahead → right mirror → right shoulder → left shoulder.
    3. Move: Release handbrake, creep forward, steer briskly to the right while the car is very slowly moving.
    4. Aim to stop just short of the right kerb (don’t touch/mount). Straighten the wheel before stopping.
    5. Secure: Handbrake on, select neutral (manual) or hold with brake (auto if applicable).

  2. Reverse from right kerb back towards the left kerb

    1. Prepare: Select reverse, set bite/creep.
    2. Observe: 360° check again, then priority to reversing observations—look mainly through the rear window; check both shoulders frequently.
    3. Move: Reverse very slowly, steering left while rolling to swing the nose back towards the left kerb.
    4. Stop close to (but not touching) the left kerb; straighten wheels before stopping.
    5. Secure: Handbrake on, select neutral (as appropriate).

  3. Drive forward to complete and straighten up

    1. Prepare: Select 1st (or D), find bite/creep.
    2. Observe: Full 360° again—don’t skip this.
    3. Move: Ease forward, steering right just enough to finish the turn, then straighten wheels so you finish parallel and close to the left kerb.
    4. Drive on when safe (mirror check, signal if it benefits others).

It’s not a fail to need 4–5 shunts on a narrow road. Safety, control and observation matter far more than doing it in exactly three moves

If a vehicle appears while you’re blocking the road

Golden rule: Don’t rush. Safety and courtesy first.

  • Stop immediately and secure the car (foot brake, then handbrake; select neutral if appropriate).
  • Maintain observation—mirrors and direct vision. Make eye contact with the other road user if possible.
  • Let them decide if they can pass. Do not wave them through (examiners prefer you not to give hand signals or directions).
  • If there’s space for them to pass, stay still and let them by. Keep wheels straight, hold the car secure.
  • If there isn’t space, consider the easiest safe retreat:
  • If you’re angled towards the right kerb, reverse a little back towards your starting side to open a gap.
  • If you’re near either kerb, tuck in close to it to create room (watch pedestrians/cyclists).
  • Once the road is clear again, re-do your 360° check and continue the manoeuvre calmly.
  • Hazard lights: generally don’t use them for a routine turnabout pause—only if you’re unavoidably stationary and causing an unusual obstruction for a prolonged period.
The turnabout
Demonstrate to examiners that you can safely and under complete control turn your car on a narrow road.

What examiners are looking for

  • Observation: Reliable 360° checks before each movement; looking in the direction of travel while moving (especially while reversing).
  • Control: Slow speed, smooth clutch/bite (manual), no rolling on gradients, wheels straight before stopping.
  • Accuracy: Close to the kerb without touching; clear of driveways; don’t mount kerbs.
  • Judgement/Courtesy: Yield to others, don’t force anyone to brake or swerve.

Common faults (and quick fixes)

  • Skipping the 360° check: Build a rhythm—Prepare → Observe → Move every time.
  • Too fast: Use the handbrake between moves and keep it walking pace.
  • Dry steering excessively: Try to steer while the car is gently moving (tiny roll) to protect tyres/suspension.
  • Touching the kerb: Look where you want the car to go; use slow speed + brisk steering; straighten before stopping.
  • Rolling on hills: Set a firm handbrake, find the bite before releasing it (manual).

Practice tips (manual & automatic)

  • Manual: Practise finding/holding the biting point without rolling; tiny throttle, steady clutch; don’t ride it for long—use handbrake pauses.
  • Automatic: Control with gentle brake-release to manage creep; use handbrake on steeper gradients for security.
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