Lesson 22: Judging the Gap, Part 1: Turns

Judging when it is safe to drive into traffic to make a turn or deciding if you have enough time to pass another driver are crucial skills that come only with experience.

1. Signaling your intentions to other drivers
   If new drivers are preparing to execute one of the maneuvers mentioned above, they need to signal their intentions to other drivers. But as you know, just because you tell someone you are going to do something, that doesn’t necessarily make it safe.


2. Sometimes it’s better to wait
   Remind your teen if they aren’t 100 percent sure they are safe to make a turn or pass another car, it is better to wait. Taking a few extra seconds could save lives. Tell them not to feel pressured into turning because another driver is in a rush.


3. Practice turning
   In this lesson, practice turning right or left out of a parking lot where there isn’t a signal. Let teens know when it is safe to turn the first few times, and then have teens tell you when they think it is safe to turn. Keep doing this until you feel they have improved.

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