What is the most foolish method for making a right-angle turn?
4 Answers
Before entering a right-angle turn, the vehicle should drive close to the right side, maintaining a distance of approximately 0.1m between the right wheels and the right edge of the road. When the vehicle reaches the point where the driver aligns with the inner right-angle protrusion, quickly turn the steering wheel to the left to its limit position. Once the left rear wheel passes the inner right-angle protrusion, gradually steer to the right to exit the turn, straightening the vehicle before completely leaving the turn.
Last time I taught my neighbor's little sister to drive, I told her that the dumbest but absolutely safest method for a right-angled turn is to crawl along using reference points. Keep the speed below 10km/h—before fully turning the steering wheel, make sure the front of the car is about 30cm from the right curb (roughly the length of a water bottle). Focus on a specific point on your right window—I usually use the bottom edge of the side mirror to align with the curb. Once your shoulder passes the corner's edge, immediately turn the wheel all the way to the right. Only straighten the wheel after the rear of the car has completely cleared the turn. This trick works great during driving tests, though cars behind you will honk like crazy. Remember, it's better to reverse and adjust than to force the turn—scraping the rims against the curb will hurt your wallet.
The dumbest way to navigate a right-angled turn? Treat it like a driving test! First, hug the right side within 30cm and creep forward slowly. Stop when the raised dot on the right wiper presses against the curb. Before fully turning the wheel, always tilt the mirror downward to check the rear wheel position. Keep speed below 10km/h throughout - if the rear wheel nears the line, stop and reverse to adjust. My instructor scolded me most for right-angle turns during license tests, until I discovered that keeping speed slower than a bicycle and turning the wheel quickly usually works. Just remember to readjust the mirror after completing the turn.
For beginners navigating a tight right-angle turn, there are three foolproof steps: Stay close to the right side one car length in advance, keep speed below 8 km/h, and roll down the window to monitor the tires. My personal trick is aligning the AC vent with the right-side obstacle before turning, then craning my neck to watch the rear right wheel when steering fully. If you hear tires squealing against the curb, brake immediately and shift to reverse - better to reverse three times than force through. Last week at a market corner, this method saved me with just a hand's width between the mirror and wall.
