What is the difference in the forward position for making a right turn and for making a left turn?

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The degree of sharpness a vehicle will turn depends on two factors: the turning radius of the front wheels and the amount of off-track of the rear wheels.

The number of degrees the front wheels will pivot to the left or to the right varies in different makes and types of vehicles. The wheel on the inside of the turn must pivot more sharply to travel on the shorter radius than the wheel on the outside of the turn.

When a vehicle moves around a curve, the rear wheels follow a path that is different from the front wheels. This is called off-track. The greater the distance (wheel base) between the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle, the greater the amount of off-track. The off-track path is a shorter radius than the path of the front wheels.

The combination vehicle, such as a semi-trailer unit, has an off-track of the rear wheels of the tractor unit, and greater off-track again by the rear wheels of the semi trailer.

The combination unit of a truck-tractor and "pup" trailer has different turning characteristics than those of the semi trailer type. These units have turning radius and off-track patterns within each unit, but the amount of off-track is dependent upon the length of the draw bar and the wheel base of the units.

On the open highway you must adjust the turning arc of the front wheels in accordance with the sharpness of the curve and the amount of off-track of your vehicle. A curve to the right requires keeping the front wheels close to the centre line to prevent dropping the rear wheels off the pavement shoulders.

A curve to the left requires keeping the front wheels close to the right edge of the pavement to prevent the rear wheel from crossing into the other traffic lane.

Negotiating narrow bridges which have a curved approach requires the driver of larger units to exercise caution and skill. You must be familiar with the amount of off-track of your vehicle and adjust your speed and approach accordingly.

All left turns must be started from the left lane. The turn should be completed so that the trailer "tracks" from the left lane through the intersection to the left lane on the street you are entering as shown below. On narrow streets, it may be necessary to make an S-turn, or the power unit will travel over the centre line of the street you are entering or into the second (right) traffic lane. When it is necessary for you to do this, use extreme caution and watch for other traffic to ensure the movement can be made safely. Always ensure that you block off any traffic which may attempt to pass on your left, by positioning your trailer within one metre of the centre or dividing curb on the street you are travelling and entering. Continue checking trailer position throughout the turn.

At some intersections, signs or traffic lights indicate two or more lanes may be used to complete a left turn. In these cases it is best to approach and complete the turn in the lane furthest to the right as this allows a wider radius. Use caution if other vehicles are beside you in the left lane.

Right turns - two-way to two-way

All right turns must be started from the right lane as close to the right side of the street or road as possible and be completed into the first available driving lane. Caution must be used when turning from the shoulder of the road, at times it is too soft for heavy vehicles. Before starting your turn, you must position the trailer as shown, to block off any traffic which may attempt to pass on your right. Where parking is not permitted near the intersection or vehicles are not parked a sufficient distance from the intersection, you must position your unit along the curb before starting the turn.

When making turns at intersections with vehicles which have an appreciable amount of off-track, an S-turn requires you to adjust your turning arc in accordance to the amount of off-track. Running the rear wheel of the unit over curbings, the centre line or sidewalks, not only causes tire damage but also is hazardous to pedestrians and other traffic. Power poles, sign posts or light standards mounted close to the curbing at intersections are fixed object hazards.

When it becomes necessary to block off the other traffic lane - for example, an extra long trailer, narrow road or partially blocked street - ensure that smaller vehicles, motorcycles or cyclists are not attempting to proceed on your right or left. The critical point is reached when the tractor is at the sharpest point of the turn in relation to the trailer, as the rear-view mirror vision is limited.

One-way to two-way turns

When turning left from a one-way street and there are no signs or lights indicating two or more turning lanes, the left turn should be made from the far left side of the road as safely possible. An S-turn could be used to block off any traffic that may attempt to pass on your left. Position your trailer to stay within one metre from the left side of the street you are travelling and entering. Continue checking trailer position throughout the turn.

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You must always use your direction indicators (signalling device) to tell other road users what you intend to do. They cannot know your intentions unless you tell them by giving early and adequate signals.

It's also important to remember that giving a signal does not mean that other road users must give way to you or that you can automatically change direction without taking care and giving way.

In every case, you must give sufficient warning of your intention to alter direction to allow other drivers, motorcycle riders, bicycle riders and pedestrians to act on your signal.

In the case of leaving a stationary position at the side of the road, you must signal for at least five seconds to allow sufficient warning to be given to other road users, especially bicycle riders.

You must signal your intention with your direction indicators to:

• move to the left or right
• turn left or right. This includes leaving the continuing road at a modified T-intersection when you intend to go straight ahead (Example 8 and 9)
• change from one lane to another or diverging
• pull into or out from a kerb or side of the road
• make a U-turn or 3-point turn
• leave a roundabout (if practicable)
• Turn left or right when driving within a car park. This includes turning left or right to move into a car park space.

[Direction indicators are illustrated in the diagrams by yellow starbursts.]

Cars are fitted with brake lights to indicate that you are slowing down or stopping, and direction indicators (blinking lights on each side of the car) that you MUST use to give a change of direction signal or make a turn.

You must stop giving the change of direction signal as soon as you complete the change of direction.

You must signal your intention, by means of your vehicle's brake lights to:

• stop your vehicle or
• suddenly slow your vehicle.

If a vehicle's direction indicators or brake lights are not in working order, or the vehicle is not fitted with indicators or brake lights, you must give a hand signal to turn right, stop or slow down suddenly (as illustrated).

Bicycle riders are only required to give a hand signal when turning or diverging to the right, except when making a hook turn.

see here

Turning

Before making a turn, you must follow this sequence (see The Driving Companion for more information):

• decide on the direction you want to go as early as possible
• look ahead, behind and to each side for other vehicles and road users, including motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, to make sure it is safe to turn
• signal as early as possible - certainly before beginning to slow down and start your turn - to give other road users sufficient warning of your intention
• take up the correct position on the road (see next page) before you reach the intersection
• make your turn, when safe.

The correct position

On a single-lane or unlaned road:

• turning left - you must start from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road
• turning right - you must approach the intersection to the left of, as near as practicable to and parallel to the dividing line, median strip or the centre of the road
• when turning right, you should pass as near as practicable and to the right of the centre point of the intersection. You will risk a collision if you cut across the lane of the vehicles coming from the right - start your turn when you are close to the centre of the intersection (Example 10)
• in a one-way road, you must turn right from as near as practicable to the far right side of the road.

The correct position

On a multi-lane road:

Approach the intersection from the correct lane - you can only turn left from the left lane and right from the right lane. You can only turn from any other lane if it has turning arrows indicating the direction you intend to take. When approaching an intersection and there is a continuous white line separating lanes, you cannot change lanes across this line.

If you enter an intersection:

• you must turn only in the direction of the arrow or arrows in your lane
• if there are arrows in your lane offering a choice of directions, you may go in either of the directions indicated
• if there are two turning lanes, you must obey any road markings indicating which lane of the new road you must enter (indicated by broken white continuity lines in the intersection) (Examples 11 and 12)
• if there are no markings and you are turning right into a multi-lane road, it is safest to turn into the lane on the new road closest to the middle of that road
• when turning right, you should pass as near as you can to the right of the centre point of the intersection. Do not cut across the corner as you will risk a collision with a vehicle that is coming from the right - start your turn when you are close to the centre of the intersection (Example 10)
• if you are driving a vehicle with a Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle sign and you are within 50 metres of the intersection, you may use either or both lanes if necessary to turn left or right if it is safe to do so (Example 13).

When turning from any two-way road, you must not stop your vehicle in a position that could obstruct traffic coming from the opposite direction. It is against the law to enter an intersection if you cannot drive through and into the road you plan to enter. However, when turning right, you can proceed into the intersection and wait near the centre of the intersection for the oncoming traffic to pass (as long as it is safe and the road you are turning into is clear).

The correct position
Turning, but not at an intersection:

When turning in order to enter or leave the road you must obey the same rules as when turning at intersections.

see When to Give Way section

U-turns

At intersections on any road with a dividing line or median strip, you must start a U-turn from the lane immediately to the left of the middle of the road or dividing strip (Example 14).

At any other intersection you may start your turn from any position on the road (left of the middle), except from a bike lane or bus lane, providing it is safe to do so.

When making a U-turn you must give way to all other traffic and pedestrians and not unreasonably obstruct traffic approaching from the front or behind.

You must not begin a U-turn unless:

• you have a clear view for a sufficient distance of any approaching traffic
• you can safely make the U-turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic.

You must not make a U-turn:

• where there is a No U-turn sign at an intersection or a break in the dividing strip or median strip
• where there is a No U-turn sign at any other place that applies until the next intersection or the end of the road
• at an intersection where there are traffic lights
• across a single continuous dividing line, dividing strip or painted island
• across a double continuous dividing line or dividing strip
• on a one-way road
• unless U-turn permitted sign is displayed on traffic lights.

3-point turns

The rules for U-turns also apply to 3-point turns.

• You may do a 3-point turn by using the forward and reverse gears when the road is not wide enough to complete a U-turn.
• You may only do a 3-point turn if it is safe to do so and allowed by the road rules, and you must always take care not to obstruct other road users.
• Check the road carefully before starting a 3-point turn and, if the traffic is heavy, it is better to avoid a 3-point turn by driving around the block.