How to Find the 30cm Mark for Right Angle Turns?
3 Answers
When performing a right angle turn, you need to first adjust the vehicle's position properly. After entering the right angle turn test area, try to drive as close to the outer side as possible. Keep the front one-third of the vehicle aligned with the right-side boundary line while moving forward. At this point, the distance between the vehicle body and the right-side boundary line is basically 30cm. This method also applies to other test items, such as stopping and starting on a slope. When the front of the vehicle is about to reach the opposite boundary line, immediately turn the steering wheel fully in the direction of the turn. When you feel that your driver's position or the rearview mirror is about to align with the corner, immediately turn the steering wheel fully in the direction of the turn.
Finding the 30 cm right-angle turning point mainly relies on three steps: First, align the car body and slowly approach the right-side line, ensuring the right 1/3 of the hood aligns with the line. At this point, checking the right rearview mirror, a gap of about two fingers' width indicates 30 cm. Next, observe the reference point inside the car—my experience is when the A-pillar angle just covers the horizontal right-angle line ahead, immediately turn the steering wheel sharply. During the turn, also monitor the distance between the rear wheel and the right-angle corner in the rearview mirror, leaving a half-palm space to avoid crossing the line. Mastering this distance requires dozens of practice runs. Beginners are advised to slow down to 5 km/h, scan the left and right rearview mirrors frequently, and steer decisively. From my teaching experience, many fail by not aligning the 30 cm position in advance, leading to last-minute adjustments and inevitably crossing the line when the right angle appears.
Maintaining a 30cm distance during a right-angle turn isn't difficult. With over a decade of driving experience, I've developed this habit: when approaching the turning zone, align the passenger-side wiper node with the right boundary line and drive straight—this usually nails the distance. The key lies in the steering timing—turn the steering wheel fully the moment the left front corner of the car touches the transverse line ahead, while gently pressing the clutch with your left foot to control speed. Remember to lean out and check the front wheels during the turn. If the wheel is 30cm from the corner, from the driver's seat, the right angle should appear roughly in the middle of the windshield. If there are tree pits or similar markers on-site, using them as reference points makes it more intuitive. This technique also works when meeting oncoming traffic in narrow roads—leaving enough space on the side prevents scrapes. A few runs through narrow village roads will make you proficient naturally.
