Turning — South Carolina Permit Test

When turning, you should enter and stay in the lane closest to the direction you want to turn.

Starting the turn from the nearest lane keeps your path short and predictable, so you do not cut across other lanes of traffic.

Enter and maintain in the lane that is closest to the direction you want to turn.

When turning, look through the turn to the farthest point possible along your intended path.

Looking only at the corner leaves you no warning of a pedestrian or stopped car just past it.

Look through the turn to the farthest point possible along the intended path.

Make a right turn from the right-most portion of your lane, without swinging wide to the left first.

Swinging left before a right turn tempts a driver behind you to pass on the right and invites a sideswipe.

Always turn right from the right-most portion of your lane.

Make a left turn from the left-most portion of your lane.

Starting a left turn from the middle or right of the lane widens the arc and puts you in the way of traffic going straight.

Always turn left from the left-most portion of your lane.

Where several lanes turn together, stay in the lane you turned from until the turn is completed.

Drifting into the next lane partway through a double turn puts you into a car turning alongside you.

Stay in that lane until the turn is completed.

Which lane should you use to make a turn?

The lane closest to the direction of the turn. Starting the turn from the nearest lane keeps your path short and predictable, so you do not cut across other lanes of traffic. South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.76: “Enter and maintain in the lane that is closest to the direction you want to turn.”