Chapter 6Performing Basic Vehicle Maneuvers

6.1 Steering, Signaling and Changing Lanes

Steering control is critical to every successful driving maneuver

Developing steering control involves:› Developing good visual habits› Adjusting speed› Adjusting the steering wheel continually› Judging available roadway space

accurately

6.1 Steering, Signaling, and Changing Lanes

Steering straight FORWARD› Use a comfortable, balanced hand position

(10 & 2) or (9 & 3)› Aim high› Look far down the intended path, not at

the center line or lane lines

6.1 Steering, Signaling, and Changing Lanes

Steering straight BACKWARD› Before backing, look back to make sure path is clear› Do NOT rely on the rearview mirrors

Follow these steps› Foot on brake and shift to Reverse (R)› Turn body to right, put your right arm over the back of the

seat (Left hand at 12 o’clock) OR keep both hands at the top of the wheel. Look back through the rear window

› Release pressure on the brake, back slowly

› Move the top of the steering wheel the direction you want the back of the car to go. Make only small steering corrections

› Glance quickly to the front and sides to check traffic

6.1 Steering, Signaling and Changing Lanes

Backing Left or Right› Check for traffic, pedestrians, parked cars

and low objects behind you› Keep both hands on the steering wheel (10 & 2)

Pull wheel to the left to back left Pull wheel to the right to go right

› Back slowly Begin to unwind the steering wheel to finish

the turn in a straight position

6.1 Steering, Signaling and Changing Lanes

Lane Changes› An important maneuver on a roadway with

two or more lanes of traffic moving in your direction

› You may change lanes to make an upcoming left or right turn, to give better position, or to show a better view in traffic

› Steering control is critical to avoid over steering

› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqhRJLfBamw

6.1 Steering, Signaling and Changing Lanes

Lane Changing› Check traffic ahead in both lanes and both

rearview mirrors› Signal and make a blind-spot check› Steer gently into the next lane, if clear› Cancel signal and adjust speed› http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/video-

hub/cars/safety/car-blind-spots/17188412001/1531015157001/

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Turnabouts› What is the safest way to turn the car around?› Other maneuvers used are called turnabouts – a

maneuver for turning your car around to go in the opposite direction

› Precautions to take when turning your car around Do not make a turnabout near hills, curves or within

200 feet of intersections Amount of traffic around you Is it legal? Do you have enough space? Check for traffic and pedestrians

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Midblock U-Turn› Do local laws allow it?› Do you have enough space?› Be careful – you must cross several lanes

of traffic› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs7YWs

dwVa8

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Steps to Make a U-Turn› Check traffic ahead and to the rear. Signal

right. Pull to the right along curb and stop. Signal left. Check Traffic. Turn wheels sharply to the left.

› Check traffic again. Check the space is needed to complete a U-turn.

› Straighten the wheels while you accelerate gently to proceed in the proper lane

Mid Block U - Turn

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Three Point Turnabout› Executing this maneuver may put you in a high risk

situation. Use this on a rural road or deadend Check traffic and signal right. Pull over to right curb. Stop.

Signal left. Check traffic. Turn sharply left using all available space, pulling perpendicular to the curb. Stop.

Shift to REVERSE. Check traffic. Turn wheels sharply right while backing across lane (Back only as far as necessary to complete the maneuver). Stop. Straighten wheels

Shift to DRIVE. Check traffic. Go and steer into proper lane.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSQ5xyXUoPU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeVhf5utx3w

3 Point Turnabout

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Pull Into Driveway on Left Side Choose this turnabout when

› Oncoming traffic is light› A driveway is available on the left

Check traffic ahead and to the rear. Signal left. Turn into driveway.

Shift to REVERSE. Check traffic. Back slowly to the right. Stop with the wheels straight

Shift to DRIVE. Accelerate gently and go.

Pull Into Driveway on Left Side

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Back Into Driveway on Right Side Check traffic to rear. Proceed beyond

driveway Stop 1 to 3 feet from curb. Shift to

REVERSE. Check traffic again, and back slowly to the right into driveway.

Shift to DRIVE. Signal left. Check traffic

Drive forward to the left into your lane of travel.

Back Into Driveway on Right Side

6.2 Making Turns and Turning the Vehicle Around

Shared Left-Turn Lane (center turn lane)

6.3 Parking Angle Parking

› Check for traffic and pedestrians. Position your car as far away from parking spot as possible (staying in the driving lane). Signal and begin braking.

› Creep forward until you can see the center of the space without your line of sight cutting across the parking line. Begin turning wheel, remember to enter slowly (foot on brake).

› Straighten the wheels when you are centered in the space.

› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPMEo9dlRCE

6.3 Parking Perpendicular Parking

› Position your car as far away from the parking spot as possible. Signal. Slow down (apply brake)

› Check traffic to front and rear.› Begin turning steering wheel when your

cars front bumper is about half way through the space you are going to park in.

› Straighten the wheels when you are center in the space.

› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1weUfFotJo

6.3 Parking

Parking on Hills› When parking on a hill, you must make

sure the car will not roll down into traffic.› Take these precautions when you park on a

hill ALWAYS SET THE PARKING BRAKE FOLLOW PROPER PARKING PROCEDURES

6.3 Parking

Uphill parking with a curb› Signal and pull to within 5 inches of the

curb. Stop.› Shift to NEUTRAL (keeping your foot on the

brake). Turn wheels completely AWAY form the curb.

› Take foot off the brake, allowing the car to roll back until the back of the front tire touches the curb.

› Shift to park. Set parking brake.

6.3 Parking

Leaving an uphill parking spot› Start car. Shift to drive. Release parking

brake.› Signal. Check traffic. Proceed carefully

while straightening wheels. Adjust speed. Cancel signal.

› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl3zHj_1Tzk

6.3 Parking

Downhill parking with a curb› Signal and pull to within 5 inches of the

curb. Stop.› Shift to neutral (keeping foot on the brake).

Turn wheels sharply TOWARD the curb.› Release foot brake allowing car to roll

forward until front tire touches curb.› Shift to park. Set parking brake.

6.3 Parking

Leaving the downhill parking spot› Start car. Shift to REVERSE. Watch behind

you and back slowly – just enough to get wheels straight and off the curb

› Stop› Shift to DRIVE. Signal. Check Traffic.

Proceed slowly. Adjust speed. Cancel signal.

› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58wSKCNwkK0

› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJiioqswocg

Parallel Parking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ-lo

e3xXLg&list=PLCF4702DEE81B05A9