How To Use Centre Left Turning Lanes
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- Опубликовано: 2 фев 2018
- Learn how about CENTRE Left Turning Lanes and how to use these correctly - watch the video. ROAD TEST CHECKLIST: www.smartdrivetest.com/landin... SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► / smartdrivetest
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Some times called SUICIDE lanes, left centre turn lanes allow driver to turn left from a major road, usually onto a minor road or into a facility.
These left centre turning lanes facilitate traffic flow, by allowing you to get your vehicle out of the thoroughfare lanes.
The reason these are called suicide lane is owing to the small risk of colliding with a vehicle in the lane approaching from the opposite direction.
Usually though, because you're using these at an intersection, the chances of colliding with an oncoming vehicle are minimal.
And remember:
Left centre turning lanes can be used as an acceleration lane. However, Smart Drive Test doesn't recommend this manoeuvre.
Good luck on your road test.
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Nebraska Department of Transportation's "Center Turn Lanes": • Center Turn Lanes | Tr...
Edited 5 Nov 2019 - 22,444 view - closed caption and added to site, and email campaign
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Great video. It helped me pass my California driving test today on my first try!
Hi Gervais Merryweather - that is *_AWESOME_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎
PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate in California?
See this vid too my friend: ruclips.net/video/21hBJ49sX-s/видео.html
I just passed my driving test yesterday (second try)! I still come and watch because I want to be a good driver and avoid accidents.
Hi Jocelyn Luna - that is *_FANTASTIC_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎
PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate?
See this vid too my friend: ruclips.net/video/21hBJ49sX-s/видео.html
Hello, just wanted to say that this channel has been a huge help to me when learning how to drive. Thank you for the content!
Been driving Cl. 5 for 10 yrs and 1 month, I study your video so i can be safer smarter driver and wanting to work as a CDL driver..
As someone studying for her permit at age these terms and lanes confused me while reading them, thanks for the breakdown 👍🏾.
Wow, British Columbia looks very beautiful in the winter!
Yes I was confused and it's very clear now thanks! Appreciate all the demos
Hi Antony Le - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you Rick! Because of your help I passed my road test today. All your videos really made it a breeze. Thank you again! I especially love your “mirror, signal, shoulder check” it became my mantra and I got full points for lane changes and turns because of that!
Hi Intava Wong - that is a awesome news. Thank you for letting us know, and you are most welcome. I'm sure you are having a big celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your practice and implementation of observation skills. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. Enjoy your newly earned freedom. All the best, Cheers Rick 🚗
@@smartdrivetest anytip how to turn left from center lane when your behind a car thats also turning left and theres oncoming cars? Should i wait until the car infront of me has fully turned left into the store, parking lot, or anyplace and then make my turn? Or if i know that theres no oncoming traffic from a mile away can i just follow the car at the same time? Or should i just be safe and wait for the car infront of me to fully turn left and be out of the street and then turn left and check opposite traffic?
Thanks so much for this informative video! You also explain important details on the go. Could you also make a video about losing the right of way on the intersection because of the pedestrian? Much obliged.
Thanks for the video! I am studying for my knowledge in about two weeks and this video made the topic much easier.
Hi EMMANUEL - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I just moved to America from Sweden, and we don’t have center left turning lanes in Sweden so this was a great video to prepare me for my American drivers test.
This is one thing (as a new driver) that I think I understand, but I'm really glad you did this video. It reinforces the concept nicely. Thanks, Rick!
Hi Not Me But You - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Extremely helpful! Thanks Rick!
Hi @Emily-dg6rc - Glad to help my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Really interesting video. Being from Europe I had no idea what center turn lanes were until yesterday and was very confused on how you're supposed to use one. Thanks for the video!
Hi Teodor Mihov - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I hit like before watching cause I know it will be good!
Hi Val S. - thanks for your great comment. You’re awesome thanks so much. If there’s anything further we can do drop us know. All the best Cheers Rick
this video was so helpful
Hi Madeline Evans - happy to hear we could help out my friend.. If we can help further, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick
I failed my driving test Saturday because I was angled at a turning lane 😭 I watched all of your videos besides this one I guess 😂 wish me luck for my second test ❤️ I need my license for the new job I am starting
Hi Chelsey McInerney - thank you for your comment my friend. Good luck on your road test! Be sure to let us know how it goes. All the best, Cheers Rick
Dr August:
Many salutations! My profound gratitude for you having done this video; still, I would like to interject another dimension to this conversation about center left turn lanes. I was prosecuting a DoorDash delivery session in Kerrville last week and in Pleasanton/Jourdanton this weekend where there were several times that I had to briefly pause in order to reaffirm my navigational bearings and generally take a breather after executing a left turn out of a private driveway/side street. For the former, I used the same technique -- signal left, glance in the center and left wing mirrors for any vehicles, check the blind spot, and merge left into the center left turn lane; to finish up, I then hit my hazard lights, shift to neutral, and apply my parking brake prior to calling up the map on my phone or whatever after lifting my turn signal lever.
For the latter, I first made sure that my transmission is engaged and that my parking brake is released along with the turn signal lever being lifted, study the center and right wing mirrors for any vehicles after deactivating my hazard lights, check the blind spot, and merge right into the through traffic lane when clear.
So, clever or crude?
Hi Damon Mason - Thank you for your comment. I've seen it done it done before with larger vehicles - stopping in the left centre turning lane. If you activate your hazard lights, you should be alright my friend. However, I wouldn't recommend doing this on busy roads. Otherwise you're good. Drop us a note if there is anything further. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you so much Very nice video, but I was also looking for how to merge into the main traffic from a side street using left turn lane. Guess you encountered a vehicle coming from opposite direction which you could not see before you made the turn? How should we proceed then?
Thank you! you are an amazing !!
Hi HumTum78611 - you are most welcome my friend. If we can help further, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick
thank you!
Hi Gregory Besonen - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you I needed that
Hi waner gros jean - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I’m studying for my permit license and I can say your videos have been helpful
I'm a Brit and they are quite common, where space allows for a middle lane but shared ones are less common. When I saw the US ones they are confusing because they are often shared. But for me the confusion comes due to US shared ones having no road markings designating how far you can advance along the turning lane until you have to stop (because going any further encroaches into the space for traffic in the other direction wanting to use the same lane) and wait for traffic to clear. Now I know.
Good advice
Hi Porscha Bonita - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
good job of messing up on using the left centre turn lane ive done that once or twice but i love them because they make turning left centre turn lane safety
i love those and roundabouts too i'm in favor of both it can be dangerous turning left on normal streets other street in minneapolis area have upgraded to make most of the road safer
I will do a roadtrip in the US next year, and I was very confused seeing these lanes on Google Street View (as we don't have such a thing in my country). I can finally understand what they mean and how to react with drivers using them in the road. Thanks a lot, for real! :)
these are NOT driving lanes. only use them for turning. never pass a car in the main driving lane on the right of you.
Hi Icespoon - apologies for the late response. You are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
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Smart drive thank you so much for your videos are very useful I have a big question in a I intersection WHO yield first ???
Hi Josean Rodriguez - Thank you for your comment and query. General rule: those on the major road have the right-of-way over those on the minor road. And straight through traffic has the right-of-way over turning traffic. Now keep in mind, these are only general rules. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
This is why I failed my driving test back in 2018 ); no one had taught me this …. But now i know and i am gonna try again
Hi Purplegum - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you Rick I'm watching this right before I go out on the road today
Hi Big$MoneyBoss - thanks for your comment. Do you have those centre left turning lane in Las Vegas? Have a great drive! Cheers Rick
Hi Rick I just made it back home yes we have a lot of them. Guess what I saw today... A wreck this car rear-ended someone and it was smoking bad then also I almost got rear-ended by a semi truck but luckily he jerk to the left of me in the oncoming lane and it was in a curve god blessed him he's lucky he didn't flip. I need a dashcam the stuff I am seeing every day is unbelievable. Also I hate night driving I have old school head lights and hate them
Hi Big$MoneyBoss - apologies for the delay in responding. We're happy to hear that you survived the melee! I would suggest "Nighthawk" Halogen bulbs - they are quite good. And I'm sure you've already seen this video: ruclips.net/video/6WbYpgn6T4c/видео.html Let me know what you decide for a dashcam. It would be interesting to get some footage. Stay well my friend. Cheers Rick
Thank you for the bulbs suggestion I don't own the car it's a friends car atm I keep telling him he's gonna get killed because of his lights which he has had a few accidents because he couldn't see due to the dim headlights. But once I save up I will be buying a car with strobe lights lol
Where I live (Nevada), the center lane is also used for turning left onto the road. You would turn left into the center, turn on your turn signal to show that you want to merge, then wait for a gap and merge when it is safe. You can only drive for something like 50 feet in the center lane before you must merge.
Hi Matt Brown - Thank you for your comment and pertinent information. Yes, these centre lanes can be used to gain speed and merge seamlessly into traffic when turning out onto the main thoroughfare. Thank you. All the best, Cheers Rick
same for us in cali. you may use lane for uturns too.entering lane from side street and then merging into flow of traffic is hardest thing for our teen driver
@@smartdrivetest I was taught by my driving instructor (in Michigan) that, when turning left onto a main thoroughfare from a side street or driveway, it is permissible to turn into the center turn lane of the main (larger) road and wait for traffic in the adjacent passenger-side lane to clear. But I am now living in Ontario, and I see some sources saying this use is not legal. Can you clear this up?
Rick, thank you so much for addressing this topic so comprehensively! Two things -
1. What happened to you at 5:36 is exactly what happened to me, except that my center turn lane (CTL) had ended at an oncoming's left turn lane. So I was facing an oncoming car waiting to turn, and felt really nervous for 2 seconds. In your case, if you look carefully at 5:51, the inner yellow lines of the CTL are not broken anymore, which technically means the CTL has ended.
In many cases though - the lane markers on these lanes are really smudged out and it's hard to see the arrows or the lines. Plus - that solid yellow line on these lanes is just poor design. They could have gone for a different color or something.
2. There is generally a limit to how much you can drive in center turn lanes. Here in the US, it is around 50 feet I believe. There is good reason for this. So if you feel you entered the CTL too early (your turn is a bit further), you are required to join back the main lane on your right, and then re-enter the CTL about 50 feet before you intend to actually turn.
Thanks again, your videos are enlightening drivers and bringing more safety to the roads! Keep it up, cheers.
Hi dontusehername - I'm going to look into the rules there in the US and get back to you. And as you point out, you don't want to get in too early, but not too late either. There is some discretion and practice required when using these lanes for sure. Thanks again - Cheers Rick
I failed my CA driving test with critical error because of this. The examiner quoted that I drove more than 200 feet into the CTL to turn left.
Question: how do I make a U-Turn on a Middle Left Turn Lane?
Fine Sir.
Hi Samuel Kingston - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
make sure whoever you practice driving with, they do not confuse the heck out of you. If they are not communicating enough or explaining things that simply don't make sense..look for a new teacher/instructor.
I had this issue countless times, I still am without a license because of it, but no worries, because I am hiring a professional instructor in a few weeks. I never went to any of the proper training to get a license, I am pretty much self-taught. While I know how to drive and whatnot, I have not had a lot of time to practice to actually become 'great' at it. One thing that kept throwing me off, was turning lanes. I know how to use them..but the man I was training with..kept making no damn sense about how they worked, kept telling me I was using them wrong..funny enough after watching this video countless times, I realized I was using them 100%correct!
Question Rick: if the way ahead is clear and you want to use a centre left turning lane, do you have to come to a complete stop or can you simply just proceed? Thanks in advance!
Hi Rick, I have 2 questions, so what if the Center left-turn lane (two-way left turn lane) is full and they are blocking the place that you are about to turn, is it ok to stay in the left line that it gets empty and then enter the center left turning? or should you dive away and make a u turn at the intersection (if it allowed)? and the other question is , this happened for me personally. Who has the right if you both enter the center line at the sometime and I am about to get to close to the place that i am about to make a left turn and she accelerate more and block my turning way. And i again went back to the right lane and let her go first. Who has the right to turn if you both enter same time? what is the best decision to make? Thank you for you amazing videos its been a year i am driving but I still watch your videos whenever I am not sure about something. Thank you
It's do helpful
Hi R. A. - you are most welcome my friend. Have a look at this video too: ruclips.net/video/QQskdDGE6LY/видео.html All the best, Cheers Rick
I get honked at everytime I used these because I'm waiting for the gap to be large enough to turn.
Just turn, if no one is coming you should have enough time to carefully drive through. Cars are about 6-6.5 feet wide, most of them, so unless the gap is really really small you should be able to go through just be careful. Do it like he does in the video he half turns then quarter turns lines himself up and lets go of the steering wheel adjusts to straighten out if he needs to.
@s Yeah but if you're in a situation where the other car can't move unless you move then you will need to go.
Can I make a U turn too when it's possible? Thank you for the video!
Hi Josiane FSilva - Thank you for your comment. Have a look at this video for the answer to your question my friend: ruclips.net/video/JodahNr-ANg/видео.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Do you have to look at your mirror and blindspot when turning into a center turn lane?
They have lanes over here like that but it’s not to cut through and get to a restaurant or anything that may be on the left. It’s to get onto the highway turning left and to turn left opposite way going onto a road. Don’t really know how to explain it but do I stay in the left lane and turn my signal on to get over into the turning lane like that’s confusing.
I have always been seeing other drivers turning left to services area shortly before approaching the intersections. Almost all major intersections have some kind of entrances on all four corners. May these be a gas pump, a coffee shop or at times some services. The problem I noticed that if I have to turn left to enter that area then what kind of road markings disallow or allow turning left. I couldn't find any clear mentioning of conditions when a left turn just before the intersection can be made. It would be of great relief for me & many more if you could provide some authentic rules allowing such turns, preferably followed in Ontario.
i love that he included the mistake, it made me laugh lol
Hey Rick - In this video, you're going fairly slow when merging so you don't really have to brake hard; however in my city many of the roads are 45 MPH (~72 KMH). Is it fine to brake before merging into a turning lane or should I keep my speed and then brake when I get into the turning lane? I find that if I do the latter, I usually have to brake hard once I'm in the turning lane. However, I've also heard that braking before merging will make the driver behind you angry. Thanks!
Hi rofltank - Thank you for your query. If you can, it's better to brake once you get into the left centre turning lane, however, as you pointed out, this isn't always possible owing to the short distance. If you can't do that, then I suggest communicating as early as possible so as to not catch other drivers unaware. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi, Rick, quick question; am I supposed to use a left only lane as a turn to get to an establishment? What I mean is if I’m on an intersection an when I turn, the left turn only lane is on my left and a car is coming towards me...am I supposed to get into that lane just to make a turn? I was told after I didn’t use it to turn (a car was coming and another car (the person who rode behind me, honked and tried to pass me in said lane told me after I got to my destination and stopped before they rode off). Its the type of road that you only have one lane for incoming, one for outgoing and the middle for left turn only (it doesn’t have those double arrows farther down to indicate that two cars can be in this lane to make two left turns whilst in front of each other???). I hope this made some sense, because I need some clarification.
New driver here... Thanks so much Rick for your videos! You've helped so much and im so much more confident in my driving now. My question is - how long can you drive in the center lane? I know you cant use it as a driving lane but say I move over too quickly and have to drive in the lane.. is there such thing as too long? Should I move back over and then merge again when I am ready to turn?
Hi WhoaChasity - thanks for your comment. I’d say you want to drive in it for no more than about a half block. Any more than a half a block in the centre left turning lane and you probably want to get back into your through lane. Welcome to the channel. If there’s anything further we can do drop us a note. Always happy to help. Cheers Rick
"How long can you drive in the center lane?" That varies between jurisdictions. In some places it is as short as 50 feet (about 15 meters). Washington State law says 300 feet, making relatively more lax than many other places. In practice, a center turn lane shouldn't be needed for more than a couple car lengths. Needing 300 feet is typically only necessary if a bunch of cars are turning at the same time and need to form a temporary queue in the turning lane.
I’ve only ever heard them called “Suicide Lanes” lol
Good video
Stg i literally said that b4 i saw this comment
may u tell me,,, they only find mistake of blind spot...what i have to do? plz urgent,,,may u suggest any video to watch?
there are some centre left turning lanes where the car doesn't go straight but at an angle. How do enter those?
Thank you so much for trying to clarify CLTLs Rick! I've noticed sometimes the pavement markings for these are inadequate and even dangerous. For example at 2:45 -- only the oncoming traffic's left turn arrow is marked on the pavement and none for you! At 3:43 you can see you have to travel over the oncoming direction's left turn arrow to reach your left turn arrow/point. Bad city planning! Two cars entering the central turning lane at the same time wouldn't be able to clear it because they would be blocking each others way! Am I correct?
Also please if you can clarify how to make a Left Turn from a service area's driveway into a main thoroughfare. You'd have to cross over the central left turning lane but not travel on it as I understand it. This seems a highly dangerous maneuver to me...
Hi E Z - Thank you for your comment and query my friend. I searched 2 or 3 times for your comment, and couldn't find it. Sorry about that. Anyway, tomorrow's video will address you question. When you say 2 cars entering at the same time: do you mean from opposite directions? And yes, using a left centre turning lane as an acceleration lane is a complex manoeuvre. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest Yes, I meant from opposite directions, in situations where the side streets are not exactly opposite each other but they are such that you'd have to travel over the oncoming vehicle's left turning lane to reach the point where you can start your left turn. Will make sure to watch the other video! Big Thanks!
Hi E Z - Thank you for your response. That is a rare situation; however, when you're moving into the left-centre turning lane you have to keep your eyes up looking at the oncoming traffic. Most of the time that's simply not going to happen because road engineers have attempted to eliminate that point of conflict on the roadway. Do you have a place where that could potentially occur my friend? If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
The arrows don't mark where you're allowed to turn; they simply "advertise" the purpose of the lane. You can drive over the arrow anytime and in either direction (at slow speed, of course).
Even the oncoming traffic's arrow was a bit faded, so I'm going to guess that there was also an arrow for Rick but perhaps even more faded. Probably more left turners in that direction.
Thanks for the video, so the center left turn lane doesn't distinguish the direction in which the car is moving? What if a car is in the opposite direction in the center lane and is blocking me from moving to center lane? Should I wait on the main lane in that case?
Hi Venkatraman Natarajan - Thank you for your comment and query. And if the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction is in the centre left turning lane, that vehicle will be on the opposite side of the intersection and should not be blocking you. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Did you know the lane is also to use when turning out of a parking lot, or service area, smaller st, turning left onto a main st?
You turn into the center lane then merge over into the lane of travel.... comes in handy on the faster roads with suicide lanes... not so much in the tighter slower busier city streets... but can be used more than you'd think.
"Suicide Lane" is being overused and is incorrect. SL is when a three-lane-wide road allows vehicles from either direction to use the center lane to pass slower vehicles. It should not have the same markings on the center lane as a center-left-turn lane.
9:41 of course because when people are about to make a left turn they don’t stop they shoulder check
Hi GalantisFan Est.2001 - thank you my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thanks for this informative video. Are center left turning lanes only meant to be used as the starting point for a left turn, or should they also be used as the end point for a left turn. To clarify: suppose you wish to turn left from a small street into a thoroughfare that has a center left turning lane. Should your turn end inside the center left turning lane, or must you end the turn in one of the regular lanes?
Hi EvenEvenOdd - Thank you for your comment and query. And that is an excellent question. Most left-centre turning lanes are going to terminate at the intersection. Therefore, when turning left from a minor to major road, the left centre turning lane isn't going to be available, so you're just going to turn into the lane closest to you. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
The answer is yes... If there is a broken line in the center lane, that means it is to pass through... the solid on the outside indicates no passing...
So when the center lane continues passed the intersection, like here, and are on 60 kph roads that people do 80 on... that center lane works really well to get out into moving traffic every morning for me... LOL
My father taught me the rules of the suicide lanes 40 years ago when the first one was here...
Now there are a few and still, no one knows how to use them fully ;)
They are to accelerate and decelerate in for left turns ...
Great question. It depends upon the jurisdiction! I've no idea what the law is in Canada. However, in Washington State, RCW 46.61.290 says, "A two-way left turn lane is near the center of the roadway set aside for use by vehicles making left turns in either direction from or into the roadway." The phrase "from or onto" means, for example, that one may use the turn lane for turning from a driveway onto the main road.
Ok I have a question about who has the right away . Imagine you enter a turning lane to turn left to a smaller side road there is a car there waiting to turn left also onto the main road does the left turning lane turn first to exit the main road on to the small side road or does the car exiting the small side road have the right away to turn left onto the main road ?
Hi Inked Allegiance - Thank you for your question. This video will help you out my friend: ruclips.net/video/-N_7P9oWTAA/видео.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
HEY RICK your videos are always helpful.
But I would like to know if you're coming off of a side road(like the lady that went through that thought you let her pass) and you want to merge into traffic making a left turn not going straight like she did, while there is a center turn lane, do I enter in the center turn lane or do I go in immediately to the farthest Lane?
Thanks in advance
Hi abcmissme2 - Thank you for your comment and query. Could you give me the time in the video to which you are referring? All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest absolutely at 6:25
If I'm that lady, traffic is clear and instead of going straight I wanted to make a left, would I have have entered your lane first (the left hand turning lane) or go straight to the lane closest to the sidewalk?
Once again I appreciate your support and how your work is provided on RUclips. You're a great teacher showing your wisdom for us the next generation.
Hi abcmissme2 - Thank you for your comment and query. For the purposes of the road test, you would go right to the curb lane. If you go into the centre left turning lane, you will lose demerits for incorrect lane choice. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I am glad you responded as I couldn't find anything online expect for rules in California. They say go into that left turn lane, wait, then switch lanes, to the right. But I'll be driving in Ontario, Canada and I couldn't find any information on this. So thanks again!!!!
@@smartdrivetest When my daughter was taking driver's ed in Moncton, NB, her instructor told her to pull into the center turning lane first, then merge.. I'm confused on what the correct answer is. I have never misunderstood how to USE a center turning lane, however, I AM confused on how to merge ONTO a road with a center turning lane(3 lanes total). Which lane do I pull into?
When using these lanes you have to be cognizant of both oncoming traffic and traffic in back of you. These lanes are not passing lanes however, that does not mean that other drivers will not use them as passing lanes. Also, be aware of traffic entering the lane without signaling. When first entering the lane, pay close attention to the movements of oncoming traffic and be prepared to abort if you notice an oncoming car drifting into the lane (You may have right of way but, as Rick says, "there's right and then there's dead right").
Per the Nebraska DOT, enter the lane no more than 200 feet before the turn (about 4 seconds before the turn at 30mph or 50kph), signal before entering, mirror shoulder check whilst paying close attention to oncoming and then move over into the lane.
I only know of one center turn lane within 30 miles of where I live, I know how to use it though I've only ever had to use it a handful of times.
Hi TheWhoFan4 - Thank you for your detailed and informative comment. And thanks again for helping me out so that we could pass that information on to others. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test
Thank you Rick, you provide a valuable service, helping both new and experienced drivers. I hope your channel continues to grow and I wish you the best in all of your endeavours!
Thank you TheWhoFan4 for your support and endorsement of the channel. It is greatly appreciated my friend! Cheers Rick
Hi! Thanks for this video - I just have one question. The first turn out of my (CA) DMV for the road test is a left turn onto a street with a center left turn lane. The street has one lane on each side of the center turn lane. When turning left out of the DMV, am I required to use the center lane? When in the center lane, can I stop and wait if there are cars coming? For example, if you were to drive out of the parking lot at around 1:58 in the video and turn left, would you use the center lane?
Please send me the address - I'll have a look on Google. Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest Here's a clip of the specific route ruclips.net/video/BZPrdG75jxA/видео.html
The turn I'm asking about is the very first left out of the DMV at around 0:40.
@@smartdrivetest Have you looked at this yet? I'd really appreciate your input!
Hi Rick.
If the line is solid, like at 1:37 , shouldn't it be that you cannot cross into the lane (because its solid)?
The ontario drivers handbook (www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/pavement-markings) says:
A solid line at the left of your lane means it is unsafe to pass.
A broken line at the left of your lane means you may pass if the way is clear.
regards,
Umair
What if you were coming out of the parking lot and wanted to turn left can you go over the center lane when it’s clear ?
It’s at 6:28 on the video
Is this alaska or colorado ive been to alaska and it reminds me of it.
Hi Ō K A M I - Thank you for your question. Vernon, BC, Canada my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Quick Question: Can you use the center lane to make a U- turn or to be in the opposing lane?
The short answer is yes. There is one condition, that you have to complete your U-turn in one continuous maneuver, which you can only do if the opposite side of the road is wide enough for the turning radius of your vehicle. You aren't allowed to use 2-way turning lanes to start any turn-around where you need to back-up as part of the maneuver.
Does this still apply if there as a space ahead in the road where the lines open up and show a arrow directing into the center? can you only enter in the open area with the arrow or can you enter before the arrow?
It is completely arbitrary where the arrow is painted within the lane, and there is no significance to the position of the 2-way turning lane arrows. Anywhere that you see the solid/dashed lines, indicates that the lane may be used for this purpose.
Hi Rick. Is it legal/safe (in Ontario) to enter a center left turning lane when doing a left turn from a minor roadway? Can you get into it and wait before merging with traffic?
That's exactly its purpose. They are for beginning and ending left turns. Take your turn to the lane, come to a stop, and merge when traffic allows you to continue. You generally don't want to travel in the lane for any more than necessary to merge to the right.
So when turning left from your side do you go towards the right more while turning
Hi Amber Slider - sorry, I'm not understanding your question my friend. Could you please reword it. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test hello smart drive how about im on center lane and im about to turn left and there is another vehicle who want to turn right which one of us have a right of way?
Same as it would be at a 4-way stop. The more complex maneuver yields to the simple maneuver. A right turn is simple, and a right turner gets priority. You wait until there is no conflict with the oncoming thru traffic, or the oncoming right turners, and then you proceed to complete your left turn from the lane. It is a queueing lane, where you wait for the oncoming traffic to clear the way.
So here is my question, I had a situation where I was in the center left turning lane. I waited for oncoming traffic to clear and went to make my left. The person on the right side street was also making a left, didn’t see me and missed t-boning me on my drivers side by an inch. Who had the right away? Me in the center lane or the person on the side street making a left?
Major road over the minor road as a general rule my friend. However, keep in mind that the right-of-way is always given, it’s never taken. Drop us a note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest ok. That’s the conclusion I’ve come to after reading the laws here in Oregon. However, they’re not clear so I was just curious in case it happens again. I literally couldn’t find one video or article on that topic 🥴
Can cars pile up in the center left turning lane ? like for example 5 cars already in the center turning lane and you are the sixth ?
Hi Gelomancer - Thank you for your comment and query. If there is a lot of traffic, that is a possibility. If that does happen it might be best to abort the turn and go to the next right and come back around. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I take my test sunday wish me luck and pray for me!!!🤞🤞🙌🙌
Hi Jakob's Journeys of Awesomeness - You're going to do awesome. Remember to breath; that will cause your body to relax. Good luck on your road test! Be sure to let us know how it goes. All the best, Cheers Rick
PS - see this post BEFORE you head to the test centre: www.smartdrivetest.com/pass-drivers-test/pre-trip-inspection
Which country u from
Hey rick, can I go in to the center left turn lane before a left turn at a traffic light? I have my driving test in 2 months and I want to be sure about this one.
What I mean by this is, if there is a center left turn lane before a left turn lane at an intersection with a traffic light, am I allowed to go into the center left turn lane to slow down?
Hi Mohsin Khan - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment and query. And if there is a left-centre turning lane before the left turn lane, there's likely a painted island on the roadway. And if so, you cannot drive on the painted island. Have a look at this video: ruclips.net/video/qHL_nvfxGOM/видео.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Question if a vehicle is turning left out from a neighborhood into that the left turning lane and and there is no other vehicle in the he left turning lane when your now merging to the right a vehicle makes a last minute decision and decides they want to turn left and they cut you off and you hit their rear quarter panel and not the back who would be placed at fault
Hi Brian H - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. Are you asking for a friend!? ;o) Without further details, it would be difficult to make a decisive rendering of fault. This decision would be made by police and insurance personnel. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I wished you would have demonstrated how to make a left turn onto a highway that has a center left turning lane?
the same way, don't pass any vehicles on the right of you. these aren't driving lanes. just flick on blinker, get in lane with blinker on the entire time and come to a complete stop at your turn if there's oncoming traffic. once again not driving lanes so NEVER pass a vehicle on the right of you unless its a situation where you're evading an accident
Hi Rick got a question on my road test I was in the center left-turn lane only, but they wanted me to turn left again into a neighborhood. Which do you stay in that left turn only lane at the light to turn left again into the neighborhood?
I was close at the light where they wanted me to turn left into that neighborhood.
Hi Alexis Pike - Thank you for your question. Please send me the address and I'll be better able to answer the question. All the best, Cheers Rick
2780 W 4700 S, west valley city, ut
Are you allow to do a 360 turn in the centre lane and go into the opposite traffic?
HI rinwhr - Thank you for your comment and query. No, I wouldn't recommend that you use the Centre left turning lane to do a U Turn. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Is it illegal to do so? Or is it just dangerous and centre lanes just aren't intended for this type of maneuver?
HI rinwhr - it's dangerous, and because it's dangerous, if you were involved in a crash, you may be deemed at fault due to negligence. I'm not a big fan of 'U' turns, especially on busy roads. And most of these Centre left turning lanes are on busy roads. It's easier to just go around the block and be safe. All the best, Cheers Rick
Say I’m on the right side of the road in a parking lot and I need to pull out into traffic to go left down the road but the side I’m on is 2 lanes of traffic flowing right. Can I cross the two lanes that are going one way then pull into the center lane by going straight across then turning left into that flow of traffic or is that not allowed?
Hi alli roberts - Thank you for your question. You can, but I wouldn't recommend. Have a look at this video: ruclips.net/video/ID79f4tPVmo/видео.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test I took my driver’s test yesterday and I passed! This action was not given to me but it’s best to be prepared.
Thank you sooo much! I'm studying for my beginners and I was like wtf?!? Why the hell would such a thing exist?!? Makes much more sense now!
Hi Darksoulpoetry - Happy to hear we could help out my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Should drivers maintain their speed until they have entered the turning lane, allowing enough distance for slowing and stopping within the turn lane?
Since you carry the risk of interacting with oncoming traffic when using the central 2-way turning lane, it is best practice to slow down a little before entering, so that you can stop in an emergency if an oncoming vehicle is also taking a left turn.
Signal and slow down gently (i.e. foot off the gas, and only gentle use of the brake) to about 5 mph to 10 mph below the speed limit in your primary lane, and then merge into the 2-way turning lane to do the majority of your braking.
Hello sir, what if you're new to the area and not familiar with the exact location of the service establishments, then you pulled into the shared center lane prematurely, like, the the block that you wanted to turn left to was about 4 blocks away from where you pulled in, do you have to merge back to the right lane where you came from or do you just have to continue until you get near to the block you wanted to turn to? (scenario 1) What if you have the same situation as the first scenario, but there's also a vehicle in front of you that wanted to turn left, but you're blocking his way to make his turn 'cause you are positioned right at the block where he wanted to go? (scenario 2)
Hi Joel Gonzaga - Thank you for your comment and query. Yes, if you get into the centre left turning lane too soon, then you want to merge back out and proceed to where you want to turn. And no, when using the centre left turnng lane, it is unlikely that you are going to block other traffic because you are one side of the intersection and the other vehicle is on the other side. So therefore, if you're not at the right intersection, you will have to merge back out, but do that with caution. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you for the response, sir. Your videos are very helpful and educational. Just subscribed. :)
At 3:00 minutes in the video you cross the other sides left center turn arrow, I thought that wasnt aloud. So if need be you can go that far in the turn lane as long as traffic is clear?
Hi Zyan Beast - Thank you for your question. I'm in the left-centre turning lane my friend. That's where you need to be to make the left turn safely and legally. All the best, Cheers Rick
The arrows don't mark where you're allowed to turn; they simply "advertise" the purpose of the lane. You can drive over the arrow anytime and in either direction (at slow speed, of course).
@@raygrinders3918 thank you! I was confused by the arrows pointing 2 different directions.
Hey, I had a question. I observed that you crossed the solid yellow line when coming into the center left turn lane. Is this allowed?
Navneet Verma I’m wondering the same thing
Crossing the single solid yellow line, for this lane specifically, that is allowed. That is what you have to do to make it work. The reason the dashes are on the inside, is to indicate that it isn't meant for passing. It is only meant to be a waiting lane, where you slow down and stop, to either begin or end a left turn. Since you share it with oncoming traffic, you need to be prepared to stop as you enter, and keep an eye out for other turn signals as you do so.
It is two sets of double yellow lines, that you are not legally allowed to cross, but need to treat it as a concrete barrier. Two sets of double yellows are a virtual median.
Good evening.
Left Canada for Guatemala a few years ago. For that reason i had to redo the written test here in Ontario. Then, i passed the G2. And on Friday morning, succeeded getting the G licence.
What surprised me that day, was that as i was going up the ramp to enter the highway with the examiner at my side, i started at just over 80...
Checked above and on my left... there was no traffic... brought the car to 90 checked on my left as i turned on the left signal.
This is when the instructor 'screamed' and said: do you want us to be hit from behind. By then i had seen a black truck at least 300 feet behind and no one on his left... 'Bring it up to at least 105. No cops will stop you here for that.'
I thought he was going to fail me... so next time we went back on the highway... i just did what he had told me to do so...
Thank you. I watched at least 8 or 10 of your videos. My goal is to drive an 18th wheeler. Might have to start by driving a school bus part-time since they are so desperate and help you get your licence. What shocks me a bit is the minimum 10,000$ they ask of you here to get your licence...
Thanks again. And no... don't remember having a problem with left center turns. Might not have encountered too many either!
:)
Hi Edmour Gagnon - that is a awesome news. Thank you for letting us know, and you are most welcome. I'm sure you had a big celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your adapting to the examiner's request, which was odd indeed. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. Enjoy your newly earned freedom. All the best, Cheers Rick 🚗 PS - happy to hear you have had issues with CENTRE left turning lanes.
Why is the dotted lines not on your side when you merge in the turning lane. On your side is a straight yellow line meaning you can’t merge ? Pls clarify thank you
Because you aren't permitted to use center turning lanes for passing. It is only a waiting lane, for beginning and ending left turns.
In your instrument panel view - there is a red light always on. Hopefully that isn't the check engine light haha :P
Hi dontusehername - thanks for your comment. Yes the Honda needs a catalytic converter, thus the light all the time. Have a great day. Cheers Rick
Do standard right of way intersection rules apply? Did the lady on the right have the right of way since she was going straight and u both came at a stop at the same time? Im confused.
Hi D C - Thank you for your comment and query. Can you tell me where in the video that traffic situation happened? Thanks, all the best, Cheers Rick
Sorry for not clarifying, I was reffering to 6:30 in the timestamp of video. I was confused as to who had right of way between you and the minivan. Thanks Rick your videos are making me very well prepared and educated for my upcoming road test.
Hi D C - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for clarifying. Technically, I had the right-of-way, but if someone else is going to insist on going, I 'm not going to challenge them. Remember the saying: you can be right, or dead right. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I truly appreciate you always getting back to everyone that has questions, truly the best channel on youtube.
i have a question (sorry if it's a stupid one! :
so let's just say you're trying to use a center left turn lane to turn into a grocery store. once you go to that center left turn lane and stop to check for incoming cars cars, what would you do if there is a line of cars trying to exit (and turn left) the way you're trying to enter? do you wait for all of them to turn left before you turn into the parking lot of the grocery store? or should they wait for you to turn left before they do? because if i try to turn left to enter while they are trying to turn left to exit, we would end up hitting each other.
Hi Rachel - Thank you for your question. Keep in mind the general rules of the road: major road over the minor road; straight through over turning vehicles; and right turning over left turning. Thus, you're on the major road, and would proceed first before the vehicles turning out of the shop. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Are you allowed to use the center lane when you're taking a left onto a road that has a center lane if one direction of travel is clear, but the other isn't? I have been taught to do it but I just had a situation today where the other car in the lane that wasn't clear slow down for me thinking that I was going to cut them off. I waited in center lane until the other lane was clear and then merge to the right.
You can use the left-centre lane as an acceleration lane, but in many places it's illegal. See this vid: ruclips.net/video/ID79f4tPVmo/видео.html All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest Thank you very much! I searched for this on Google but the video that I watched from you was talking about using left turning lanes the normal way and not using them as an acceleration lane. Thanks to that video, I'm not going to teach a new driver to do that.
Brilliant. Yes, I'm on board with that - I wouldn't teach a new driver to do that either my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
is this the same in california? I am getting so nervous left turn going to the other side of the street
Hi lei's vlog - Thank you for your comment. it is the same for CA my friend. This video may help out my friend: ruclips.net/video/GRX7iW4Jqcs/видео.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
don't be nervous. just use a blinker and never pass vehicles going the same way as you in that lane. its not a driving lane
Hi Rick ,
When merging into the center left turning lane , do i need to keep the same speed and then signal?
Thanks.
Hmmm...confused too as I slow down a bit when entering the center left turning lane. Going to have my driving test on the 15th and been searching for tutorials/tips on youtube.
How early do you get into the turning lane
As soon as it starts my friend. Drop us a note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I thought it was best to get into the turning lane closer to the actual turn rather than driving in the lane the whole time
Lol driving really makes my anxiety skyrocket maybe this will help
Hi Jelly.poprocks - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
What I don’t get is what if another drive from the other side of the road at the exact same time goes into the lane and you hit them head on. How do you avoid that?
You slow down as you enter these lanes, so that you can stop before that would happen. Like any lane change, you are legally required to signal to enter, so you would also check the turn signals of oncoming vehicles to see who else might have an interest in entering.
At 6:27 you also inadvertently gave a hand signal that could be perceived as "Come on, go ahead".
Can i make a U turn right thru the centre left turn lane?
Hi Saaransh Sharma - Thank you for your query. If there is a left-centre turning lane, the road is busy and there are multiple lanes; thus, I wouldn't recommend the manoeuvre because there are simply too many moving parts and you expose yourself to a high possibility of making a mistake. Better to turn around in a parking lot or go around the block. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest Thanks Rick!!
Hi Saaransh Sharma - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
absolutely not. thats what those solid lines mean. they work one way. the solid line is basically white on the oncoming traffic side. you have to be at an intersection of some sort to make a uturn, and there can't be a "no u turn sign"
It's unfortunate that you only described one use of the center turn lane, from the aspect of leaving the flow of traffic. And most states these lanes are also used to leave the businesses when turning left and reenter the flow of traffic. In my experience that's the part where most people are confused.
Hi Marty McCune - you're looking for this vid my friend: ruclips.net/video/ID79f4tPVmo/видео.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Can you use this lane to pass to the right ??
No. And the reason is, that you would be speeding up to pass, while this is a lane you should slow down to enter.
Since you share this lane with oncoming traffic, you need to be prepared to stop as you enter it. If you speed up to pass, you would not be prepared to stop, and this would be a head-on collision waiting to happen.
No, because it is not a passing lane. It is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. That can get you a ticket
At 6:30, isn't this an uncontrolled intersection where the stopped minivan on the right has the right of way over you?
Hi Patrick Kwong - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your question. I have the right-of-way because I'm on a major road, and the vehicle on the right is facing a STOP sign. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest If there were no STOP sign for the vehicle coming out of the driveway, and both you and he were stopped, would he then have the right of way to go first for being on the right?
i fail my driveing test because fail to ues the left turning while was turning to the left it was against the law if you not use them
What if someone is driving out of the same plaza to turn left, who has the right of way then?
Hi Ishpreet Singh Arneja - Thank you for your question. General rules: major road over minor road; straight through over turning; right turning over left turning. Therefore, the person turning off the major road would have the right-of-way. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest thank you for getting back to me.
8:34
I saw a video from "@UC2NVrKtW7n-bEH6n7JWm4Tw" that suggested that it's not just working as a turning lane to get out of the main road to a side road but also that it can be used to help get *into* the main road.
Essentially driving in from the side road, stopping in the turning lane and waiting for a opening to appear in the lane you're trying to enter while also allowing you to take advantage of openings in the lane you're crossing.
Unlike the use you demonstrated in this video *that* use might actually be something that could be useful in my own country, Norway.
Speaking of countries.
Do you do videos about differences in driving laws among countries?
There's sometimes quite big differences between countries.
For instance Norway has one of the strictest driving laws in the world with the potential for jail time for many traffic offenses like for instance speeding.
In Germany driving at a high speed is expected instead of frowned upon.
Both Germany and Norway got the Germanic fairly disciplined and considerate driving style though as opposed to say Italy.
Hi Luredreier - Thank you for your comment and query. For the purposes of a road test DO NOT use the left-centre turning lane as an acceleration lane, but you can after you get your licences. And there aren't really major differences in driving. Now saying that, there are indeed driving cultures. What I'm saying, is that everything here in these videos will allow you to drive anywhere in the world. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
+@@smartdrivetest
There *are* differences.
For instance in the US you can drive on a red light when you're turning, in Norway however traffic lights are absolute, you *never* drive on a red light, even if you're 10 km from the nearest human being, the crossing is empty with neither humans nor cars anywhere in sight, and doing so may cost you the licence.
www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g190455-c110294/Norway:Driving.In.Norway.html
www.speedingeurope.com/theburger/
www.speedingeurope.com/
www.speedingeurope.com/norway/
We're talking about a country where speeding with 5 km/h above the speed limit will cost you 90 EUR...
There's also a number of other things.
Like where and how you're allowed to park differs between Norway and Sweden/Finland.
Hi Luredreier - Thank you for your response. We're not disagreeing my friend. There are minor differences. What I'm saying is that driving is driving in the same way that music is music. And like the different genres of music (jazz, classical, rock, etc.) there are going to be differences in driving. As your rightly point out, there are differences in the laws and driving cultures in different places in the world. However, many musicians who play an instrument can often play several instruments because they understand the fundamentals of music. Like drivers, they can drive in different places in the world because they understand the fundamentals. If there's anything further we can help you with, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
+@@smartdrivetest Thanks.
And nah, that was mostly it.
Ps. Sorry if I was a bit sharp.
I tend to be a bit hung up on things being "correct".
Hi Luredreier - Thank you for your response. It's all good my friend. I love nothing better than to have a discussion with smart drivers. With a good conversation we all learn and become better and smarter drivers. Thank you. All the best, Cheers Rick