1. Basic Driving Maneuvers Entering Traffic, Lane Changes, and Turning
NV Driver Education Curriculum
Unit 3: The Driving Task
Presentation 6 of 7

2. Learning to Drive Videos
See Ford’s Driving for Life
Vehicle Handling
(6:47)
Vehicle Balance. Braking, Turning, Load Shift, Affects of Vehicle Type/Size
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*Suggest full screen viewing
NOTE: some on YouTube, check access

3. Signaling
Turn signals are the most effective way to communicate your intentions on the road
Signal every time you:
Turn
Change lanes
Pull to the side of the road
Re-enter the traffic flow
Signal well in advance of beginning any maneuver (at least 100 feet on city streets and 300 feet on open highways)
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/10/09

4. Hand Signals Left Turn: Right Turn: Slow/Stop:
Use left hand to signal out window, keeping right hand on steering wheel.
Left Turn:
Arm out
straight
Right Turn:
Arm up 90 degrees
Slow/Stop:
Arm down 90 degrees
Images from: NV DMV Handbook, pg 35
Retrieved: 12/21/09

5. Avoid backing into traffic flow
Entering Traffic
Avoid backing into traffic flow
Signal intention
Find a safe space to enter within traffic flow
Select proper and legal lane
Accelerate smoothly
After entering, cancel turn signal (manually if necessary)
Re-evaluate the rear zone for fast-approaching vehicles
Images from:
Retrieved: 12/15/09

6. See Rules of the Road video
Lane Change Video
See Rules of the Road video
#8-Lane Change
(California DMV)
(1:11)
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7. Do not change lanes in an intersection
Changing Lanes
Before deciding to make a lane change, consider whether it is:
Necessary
Beneficial
Legal
Do not change lanes in an intersection
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Steering Wheel image from:
Police image from:
Retrieved: 12/15/09

8. Making a Lane Change Check traffic flow for safe maneuver
Use rear and side-view mirrors
Signal intention ft in city, 300 on highways
Check blind spots
Turn head & Look over shoulder
Gradually ease into new lane
Check traffic behind you
Cancel signal
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/15/09

9. Unsafe Lane Change Video
See Top 10 Reasons for Failing the Driving Test video
#1-Unsafe Lane Change
(California DMV)
(1:56)
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10. See Rules of the Road video
Turns Video
See Rules of the Road video
#9-Turns
(California DMV)
(1:55)
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11. Making Left and Right Turns
Signal intention 100ft in advance
Check for traffic and pedestrians
Brake early to reduce speed
Search left, front, and right zones
If turning right, check left again before turning
Turn head and steering wheel toward target area
Turn into nearest lane of traffic
Halfway through turn, accelerate
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/15/09

12. Turning Video Click on web address to access video clips
See eHow video
Turning Left Across Traffic
(Tony’s Driving School – AZ)
(1:00)
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13. Turnabout Options
A turnabout is when you turn your vehicle around to go in the opposite direction
Options
Midblock U-turn
Back/Pull into side street or driveway
Three-point turnabout
The safest way to turn your vehicle around is to drive around the block
Image from:
Retrieved: 01/14/10

14. Precautions for Turnabouts
Check law permits a turnabout
Need at least 10 seconds of visibility in each direction
Do not attempt near hills, curves, or within 200 feet of intersections
Never attempt in heavy or high-speed traffic
Continually check all around you for traffic, bicyclist, and pedestrians
Image from:
Retrieved: 01/14/10

15. U-Turns
In Nevada, U-turns are generally allowed on any road when they can be made safely*
Not allowed:
Where sign or signal prohibits
In a business district
On curves
Near a grade (less than 500ft visibility)
*Local authorities may prohibit U-turns at any location within their jurisdictions
Image from:
Retrieved: 12/31/09

16. U-Turns are not allowed anytime a traffic sign or signal prohibits
Midblock U-Turn
U-Turns are not allowed anytime a traffic sign or signal prohibits
Consider:
Width of road
Amount of traffic
Vehicle turning radius
Image from: Pearson Drive Right Textbook, 11th edition
Page 69
Risky maneuver
May be law prohibiting

17. Back or Pull into Side Street or Driveway
Using RIGHT side has advantage of re-entering traffic going forward
Using LEFT increases risk because you back out into traffic
Back into open area (on right)
Pull forward into open area (on left)
Image from: Pearson Drive Right Textbook, 11th edition
Page 69

18. Only consider in lightly traveled area
Three-Point Turn
Used to turn around on narrow, two-way streets
Your vehicle comes to a complete stop and blocks oncoming traffic
Never attempt if sight distance is limited
Image from: Pearson Drive Right Textbook, 11th edition
Page 70
Dangerous maneuver
Only consider in lightly traveled area

19. Three-Point Turn Video
See eHow video
How to Make a 3-Point Turn
(Step-by-Step)
(1:06)
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20. Driving Tip
Changing lanes is a very simple task, yet it produces thousands of collisions each year. Check your mirrors Look over your shoulder Use your turn signal Before turning the wheel
Image from:
Retrieved: 01/14/10
Checking your blind spot when you are changing lanes will help keep you out of trouble.