How to Make a Three-Point Turn
Turning your vehicle to face the opposite direction on a narrow two-way road using forward and reverse — also called a K-turn or Y-turn.
Step by step
- Choose a spot with good visibility and no oncoming traffic, driveways, hills, or curves nearby, where the road is too narrow for a U-turn. Signal right and pull over to the right edge.
- Signal left, check mirrors and both blind spots for traffic, and when it is clear turn the steering wheel fully left while moving forward slowly toward the far side of the road.
- Stop before your front wheels reach the far curb. Shift into reverse, turn the wheel fully to the right, check over both shoulders, and back up slowly toward the opposite curb.
- Stop before your rear wheels reach the curb. Shift into drive, turn the wheel left, check for traffic again, and pull forward into the proper lane facing the new direction.
What examiners look for
That you check for traffic in both directions before and during each part of the turn, keep the car under control, use your signals, avoid hitting either curb, and complete the turn in as few moves as you safely can.
Common mistakes
Not checking traffic before backing up, hitting or climbing the curb, attempting it on a hill or blind curve, and not turning the wheel far enough to finish the turn cleanly.
When you'll use it
The three-point turn (K-turn or Y-turn) is tested on many state road tests and is used to reverse direction where the road is too narrow to make a U-turn.
Related maneuvers
Based on state DMV driver manuals and official road-test criteria. Exact requirements vary by state — check your state's driver manual.