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Module 5 of 12Medium exam frequency

Turns, Parking & Backing

Practice the low-speed turning, parking, and backing maneuvers exams test directly.

Low-speed maneuvers cause an outsized share of test mistakes because they demand precision instead of speed. Work through turning setup, u-turn rules, parking technique on hills and curbs, and safe backing habits, and connect each maneuver to what the examiner is really checking: control, observation, and respect for the space around your vehicle.

Read this in the handbook

Start with the handbook sections that match this module, then come back for sample questions and drills.

Lesson videos

Parallel parking, step by step
What road test examiners score

Practice turns, parking & backing questions

  1. When leaving a parallel parking space, you should:

    • A. Signal left, check mirrors, check over your shoulder, then merge into traffic when safe — yield to oncoming vehicles
    • B. Check mirrors only and pull directly into traffic
    • C. Pull directly out since parked vehicles have the right of way
    • D. Only signal when there is heavy traffic while following local parking regulations
    Show answer

    A. Signal left, check mirrors, check over your shoulder, then merge into traffic when safe — yield to oncoming vehicles — When leaving a parallel space: signal left, check mirrors, do a head check for approaching vehicles and cyclists, and yield to all traffic before entering the roadway. You have no right of way when leaving a parking space.

  2. A U-turn may be made at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal when:

    • A. Only when a police officer directs you to
    • B. Any time there is no oncoming traffic
    • C. Never at a signalized intersection, regardless of visibility or signage
    • D. There is no sign prohibiting it and there is adequate sight distance — check local laws
    Show answer

    D. There is no sign prohibiting it and there is adequate sight distance — check local laws — U-turns at signalized intersections are legal in most states unless a 'No U-Turn' sign is posted, provided you have adequate sight distance, safe gap in traffic, and it complies with local laws.

  3. When two right-turn lanes are marked at an intersection and you're in the lane closer to the curb, which lane should you end up in after completing the turn?

    • A. It doesn't matter as long as you signal
    • B. Whichever lane has less traffic regardless of starting position
    • C. Always the far lane from the curb to warn other drivers of your intent
    • D. The lane closest to the curb on the receiving road, staying in your same relative lane position throughout the turn
    Show answer

    D. The lane closest to the curb on the receiving road, staying in your same relative lane position throughout the turn — When two turn lanes are marked, each should keep its relative position through the turn — the curb-side lane turns into the curb-side receiving lane — to avoid drivers crossing paths mid-turn.

  4. Besides checking your mirrors, why should you also physically look over your shoulder before backing out of a parking space?

    • A. Mirrors don't show everything directly behind or in your blind spots — a small child, cart, or low object may only be visible by looking directly
    • B. It's a legal requirement with no safety purpose
    • C. It's only necessary in reverse gear on hills
    • D. Mirrors show a wider view than turning your head, so this step is optional
    Show answer

    A. Mirrors don't show everything directly behind or in your blind spots — a small child, cart, or low object may only be visible by looking directly — Mirrors have blind spots and can miss low objects directly behind the vehicle, so turning your head to look directly is an important extra check before backing up.

  5. When making a right turn, you should begin your turn from:

    • A. The center of the road
    • B. Any lane that is convenient
    • C. The rightmost available lane
    • D. The lane with the least traffic
    Show answer

    C. The rightmost available lane — Right turns should be made from the rightmost lane traveling in your direction. Turn into the closest right-side lane of the road you are entering, not into a lane further from the curb.

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