Right Turns at Traffic Lights: Green, Yellow & Red Explained

Communicate the turn early enough to explain your slowing, without signalling so early that a driveway seems to be your destination. Check the rear mirror, side mirror and right blind spot for cyclists before the approach develops.

A green signal still requires a clear crossing and a safety scan. If you wait for a pedestrian, shoulder-check again before moving. Turn smoothly into the proper lane at a speed suited to the actual corner and conditions.

The lesson distinguishes starting a new turn from finishing a turn already entered. Do not squeeze in another right turn when you could stop safely, especially while an opposing left-turning driver is trying to clear the intersection.

A right turn on red is optional and only permitted when not prohibited. Stop at the required stopping position, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and keep fresh observations. A red signal does not give priority over the vehicles with green.

If the initial position blocks your cross-traffic view, advance cautiously only when the pedestrian path is clear. After waiting for a gap, refresh the right shoulder check before turning; the earlier observation may no longer describe the current situation.

The instructor estimates both cornering time and the time needed to reach road speed. Use the example to understand why a gap must cover the whole manoeuvre; its seconds and metres are not universal minimums for every road or vehicle.

A car in the second lane may change into the lane you intend to enter. Account for that possibility and avoid turning alongside a fast passing vehicle. An apparently empty nearest lane is only one part of the gap decision.