How to Align the Door Handle for a Right-Angle Turn?
2 Answers
Drive the vehicle into the right-angle turn test area. Before turning, turn on the right turn signal, keep the vehicle close to the left side. When the door handle aligns with the yellow line on the right, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and make a smooth right turn. After turning the steering wheel, when the front of the vehicle and the body are about to align with the lane, quickly straighten the steering wheel and continue moving forward.
With over 10 years of driving experience, I've found the door handle method extremely practical for 90-degree turns, helping me navigate narrow alleys and garages with fewer mistakes. The key lies in speed control: slow down during the turn while focusing on the door handle's position. When it precisely aligns with the corner's turning point or curb, quickly turn the steering wheel to full lock. Having driven various vehicle sizes, I noticed slight differences in reference points: compact cars have lower door handles requiring slightly delayed steering, while larger vehicles like SUVs with higher handles need earlier turns. For practice, I use empty parking spaces with trash cans as markers to develop muscle memory through repetition. I also maintain 50cm clearance after alignment for safety, exercising extra caution during wet conditions or nighttime driving by paying closer attention to handle positioning. This consistent approach has made my turns precise and hassle-free.
