How to Steer When Making a U-Turn?

[DelRiver]

First, when approaching the U-turn location, drive on the right side, reduce speed and downshift, then turn on the indicator light. Once the U-turn maneuver will not affect other vehicles, turn decisively. Then, as the front of the car is about to cross the left edge of the road, immediately straighten the wheels, brake, and quickly turn the steering wheel two full turns to the right. Also, honk the horn and observe the traffic conditions behind the car and on both sides of the road. Once safety is confirmed, immediately shift into reverse and back up. Finally, when there is enough space to complete the U-turn, stop immediately, quickly shift into first gear, and turn the steering wheel to the maximum.

[LaFrank]

When I first started learning to drive, making U-turns made me the most nervous. You can't jerk the steering wheel—first slow down to under 10 km/h and make sure there are no cars or pedestrians around. Turn on the right signal, then gently turn the steering wheel all the way to the right until it won't turn any further. Once the front of the car has turned, slowly straighten the steering wheel back to the left. Make sure you have plenty of space—find a wide intersection or open area to practice. The first time I yanked the steering wheel too hard, the car almost skidded, and it scared me so much my legs went weak. Later, when I slowed down, it became much more stable. Safety first—choose a location away from utility poles or ditches. After practicing a few times, it becomes as natural as eating or drinking, and I always remind myself not to forget to use the turn signal every time I make a U-turn.

[LaHaley]

I've been teaching people to drive for decades, and the basics of turning the steering wheel for a U-turn are quite simple. Hold the steering wheel loosely and use gentle force when turning. For a U-turn, you typically turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, then gradually straighten it as the car completes the turn. Keep the speed under 10 km/h—going too fast can easily lead to loss of control. I advise choosing a spacious area to practice; don’t force it on narrow roads. Always check traffic conditions on both sides and use your turn signals. The key is to practice more—simulate a few empty turns to build muscle memory. Keep the movements small and avoid sudden turns to prevent tire screeching. A common mistake beginners make is turning the wheel too sharply; teach them to ease into it. Ensure safety before continuing on the road.

[TuckerLee]

Making a U-turn with a big truck, the steering wheel feels as heavy as moving a rock. I usually have to turn it several times to get full lock, pushing it slowly all the way to the right. After the front turns, watch the tail to avoid hitting anything—because the body is long, you often need to reverse a bit before moving forward again. The space needs to be wide enough; on narrow roads, it takes several attempts. Turn on the signal early to warn others and prevent accidents. Don’t rush the steering—take it steady. Experience tells me to observe the surroundings carefully and avoid letting the wheels slip into ditches. Turning a big truck is several times harder than a small car—if there’s no space, take a longer route. Safety first—with practice, you won’t panic anymore.