Where to Look at the Inner Door Handle for a Right-Angle Turn?

[KendraFitz]

For a right-angle turn, look at the window decal above the inner door handle. Below are some techniques for right-angle turns: 1. Align the vehicle body: First, ensure the vehicle body is straight. If the body is tilted, you will likely run over the edge line during the turn. 2. Vehicle turning: Right-angle turns are divided into left and right turns. For a left right-angle turn, stay closer to the right (when turning right, it's easy to get too close to the right line, so stay a bit more to the right). For a right right-angle turn, stay closer to the left. 3. Parallel alignment: When the front of the vehicle reaches the turn point, observe the right mirror carefully to ensure it is parallel with the turn line. 4. Steering wheel: Once the right mirror is parallel with the turn line, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.

[LeGenevieve]

I remember when I was first learning to drive, I was always worried about scraping the curb when making right-angle turns. My instructor taught me to focus on the door handle area, specifically the middle part of the right-side door handle—when it aligns parallel with the edge of the sidewalk, that's when you should start turning. This method is quite reliable because when you sit upright, your line of sight is accurate. Before turning, slow down to about 10 km/h; if the front of the car isn’t wobbling, it’s easier to align properly. For sharp turns, always glance at the rearview mirror to ensure there are no blind spots—safety first. Whenever I drive on a new route, I practice a couple of times to get the feel, as different car models might have slightly adjusted handle positions, but the principle remains the same. Once you master it, you won’t cross the line.

[VanJoshua]

When I was a new driver, making a right-angle turn always made me nervous, afraid of messing up. My instructor said to focus on the door handle area—the key is to turn the wheel when the bottom edge of the right handle aligns with the curb. This simple reference point helped me avoid mistakes. Keep the speed slow, under 15 km/h, for stability, and don’t just fixate on one spot; use your peripheral vision to check the front for safety. Later, after more driving, I realized the door handle position varies by person—for shorter drivers, the side mirror might be more effective. In short, with more practice, turns become effortless and natural.

[BradleyAnn]

When teaching someone to drive, I always emphasize the reference point for making a right-angle turn: look at the bottom right corner of the inner door handle. Start turning the wheel when it just blocks the roadside line. This position is intuitive and easy to learn, helping to avoid scraping. Speed control is key—maintain 10-20 km/h. A common mistake beginners make is turning too early, so also check the tire position to ensure alignment. Don’t move until you’ve stopped completely, and don’t forget to check the rearview mirror for pedestrians. Pause longer if there’s more traffic. A few practices will make it precise.