I'm a new driver, and I was doing ok w/ turning until recently. It was an unprotected left turn, and on the opposite side, a large SUV was also making a left turn. My view was obstructed. The car behind me was honking at me nonstop like a maniac. When the SUV moved & I could finally see, I turned. The guy behind me honked and aggressively drove around me, while crossing into oncoming traffic. I was trying to stay poised, but ngl it shook me up and I had to pull over to collect myself.
Hi Gerala! Yes, you are correct. In Texas, if you are making an unprotected left turn, the "1st" car in line may enter the intersection and complete their left turn, even if the light turns yellow, so long as the vehicle entered the intersection when the light was green...Note that only the 1st vehicle in line is allowed to enter the intersection...the rest have to wait behind the crosswalk... However, for the purposes of this course, which is designed for novice drivers, and their safety, I opted to stay behind the crosswalk and wait...Remember that just because something is legal, doesn't always make it safe...consider a right turn on red...it is legal to turn right on red, unless otherwise posted, after making a complete stop and of course if it is safe to proceed, but a driver is not mandated to turn right on red if they choose to wait or deem the turn unsafe...so again, i could've legally entered the intersection to initiate my left turn, but just decided to wait. Thanks for the question and have a great week!
If the oncoming lane had too much car.. I mean enough for our lane to turn red and you in the crosswalk or middle of the intersection. You're screwed pedestrian will angry at you and driver who in you're left and the right intersection will be stuck and be angry at you.
Quick question, for unprotected left turns, I thought since it's green you're supposed to advance into the intersection (or maybe the second limit line). In the video, I think you waited until oncoming traffic was clear and then you advanced. Was this due to personal preference or are you supposed to be behind the line? Thank you! :)
what happens when u are going to make an unprotected left turn, and there is an incoming car that is also making a left turn, do you wait for them too?
Hi @Mr.Neon661! So, in a situation where you are making an "unprotected left turn," and there is an oncoming vehicle also making an "unprotected left turn," you don't necessarily have to wait for them to complete their turn (see 2:08 in the video), however, there may be a case where the oncoming vehicle making a left, is big enough ( a large truck, semi, bus, etc...) to block your view of oncoming traffic (proceeding straight), so again, it is always best to err on the side of caution and let them complete their left before proceeding. Every scenario you will face will be a bit different in terms of variables (weather, traffic conditions, etc...) and how you approach it. Which is where experience will play a role in helping you determine the safest course of action...Thanks a bunch for the question @Mr.Neon661!
@1:45 How did you make it that its unprotected left. In the left traffic light unit, there are 4 units , so there could be arrow signal as well? How do we know the difference by just seeing the solid green traffic light that it is a protected left or not?
If you have an unprotected turn do you also have to yield to right turn vehicles if there are 2 lanes? Could you go in the left lane if they go in the right lane? I’ve always been confused with that
Hello. Yes, anytime you are making an unprotected left turn, you must yield to all oncoming traffic...whether they are going straight or turning right. :) Even in cases where you have a protected left turn (arrow in the direction of the turn), you still have to watch out for cars that may either run the red light or turn right on red; when there are 2 lanes to our into.
what if incoming traffic is cleared and you’ve inched up already but it turn red as ur planning to turn? can you still turn since there’s no incoming traffic?
Great question Rosie; in Texas, a vehicle is allowed to "inch" into an intersection to make an unprotected left turn, so long as the light is GREEN and you are the FIRST vehicle in line...meaning, if the light is yellow, you cannot enter the intersection and that the 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc. vehicle in line, must wait for the first one to proceed and clear the intersection before they can enter the intersection. Once you've entered the intersection, again as long as the light is GREEN and you're the FIRST vehicle in line, you may still proceed even if the light turns yellow and then red...You still have to look out for pedestrians and of course oncoming traffic as they may fail to yield to you...
At an unprotected left turn what if you are turning left and there is no oncoming traffic going straight but there is oncoming traffic turning right? Can you go or do you have to wait?
Hi Ryan, Great question. If you are making an unprotected left turn, you must yield to all oncoming traffic, whether they are going straight or turning right... In your scenario, you may only complete your unprotected left turn, once oncoming traffic (turning right or otherwise) is clear and the vehicle/s complete their right turn... Hope this helps. FYI, if you forward to about 2 minutes 10 seconds, you'll notice that i wait for the oncoming, white truck to make their right turn, before I make my left.
This is the question I was looking for. In my neighborhood we have a left turn yielding light. I always yield to turn left but as I approach, cars turning right approach but then they stop and don't move. I'm assuming they think I have the right of way. Both sides are green to turn I believe.
Hi I live in california and in a couple days I take my driving test. I know there are multiple unprotected left turns and my driving instructor told me to inch out when i am the first person in line and wait for oncoming traffic. Is that true. Can i always inch out and then complete my turn? or should i always stay behind the crosswalk? Also idk the rules in california but can i still complete the turn of lets say the light turns yellow if i am already stuck out in the intersection?
Hi Sierra, motor vehicle laws are going to vary in each state. In Texas you can "inch out" into the intersection, to complete an unprotected left turn, as long as the traffic light is green and you are the "First" vehicle in line :)
You know some intersections are different like say there is 2 lanes and first example in the left lane you can go straight or right and right lane straight or right. 2nd example there is a left turn lane in the left intersection and in the right lane there you can go either straight or right… so how can you tell the other side of the roads lane marking because there different??
Great question, the markings on the opposite side of the road may be difficult to see & read, but remember that traffic lights will dictate the right-of-way and flow of traffic...However, it is still important that you scan the road and anticipate what other's may do...
if there was pedestrian on the left while i i’m turning to the left, am i able to inch up like how u did at 2:08 and wait for the pedestrian to pass or do i have to stay where i am until they pass across?
You're able to inch forward as long as the light is GREEN and you're the FIRST vehicle in line, however, you MUST ALWAYS yield to oncoming traffic, bicycles and pedestrians that may be in the crosswalk. In other words, you may ONLY proceed when the intersection and crosswalk is clear. :)
What do you do if you are waiting for oncoming traffic, then one of the cars stops in the lane you are yielding for? Should you go or wait for them to go first?
Hi Kiana, In your scenario, if an oncoming car stops to let you turn, you should wait until through traffic is completely clear and you can proceed...especially if there are multiple oncoming lanes...you won't be able to tell if vehicles in the other lanes will stop to let you turn... Your example is more common when traffic that is backed up and oncoming traffic (multiple lanes) leave a gap into a parking lot (for example)...I have seen many collisions in this type of situation because, typically what happens is that the vehicle in the oncoming lane nearest to you will stop out of courtesy, but then cars in the other oncoming lanes don't see you turning left in front of them... so, i always recommend you wait until oncoming traffic is completely clear...
@@Dontrespondtome169 I did wait. It was empty, then turned and boom car came out of nowhere, I had to slam on the breaks almost causing a collision. (No cops were around to give him a ticket)
I disagree with your left turn technique. You have every right to pull out into the intersection to wait for oncoming traffic to clear. But you didn’t do that. It is maddening to be behind someone like you that sits behind the stop line when oncoming traffic never clears and you sit through another red light!
Actually I had that mindset too however ........i did just this when there was heavy traffic and it was marked as a critical error and failed my drivers test! 😐 So basically always wait behind the limit line (i know frustrating but its to prevent you from ending up there if it turns red)
Hi Mike, I don't disagree with you, it frustrates me too. However, this video is intended for inexperienced teen drivers and is part of our driver education course. So again, although I agree with your comment, I always err on the side of caution when it comes to content for novice drivers. Same can be said when sitting at a red light, waiting to turn right and the car in front doesn't turn; can be frustrating for sure; and although it is legal in Texas (and most other states) to turn right on red, I don't encourage teens to make maneuvers that increase risk, until they've had plenty of time behind-the-wheel. Especially since there are tons of variables, like lane width and can the size of the vehicle which may require wider turns; plus, i know it's happened to me, but the last thing any of us want is for someone to dart out in front us...anyhow, thanks for the comment.
I hate Unprotected turn so much, It's kinda scared me. Thanks for the video.
Same. Theres no light signaling so you have to be super cautious and hope that the people on the other side of the road know what theyre doing
failed my test bc of not knowing this! thank you so much!!
same 😭
I wish he was my driving instructor TwT instead I have my dad screaming his ass off and making me nervous lol
My dad always had his hand on the emergency brake in our old car. I hated that. It made me more nervous than excited to learn.
@@Bbam1440 thank god my car doesnt have that oof
I'm glad you didn't think you had the right of way over that white truck turning right. I'm seeing this too often down here in the south
I'm a new driver, and I was doing ok w/ turning until recently. It was an unprotected left turn, and on the opposite side, a large SUV was also making a left turn. My view was obstructed. The car behind me was honking at me nonstop like a maniac. When the SUV moved & I could finally see, I turned. The guy behind me honked and aggressively drove around me, while crossing into oncoming traffic. I was trying to stay poised, but ngl it shook me up and I had to pull over to collect myself.
Needed this! Thanks
I don't think they teach this anymore, but we drilled he hell out of this when I was taking classes.
aren’t you supposed to move forward from the beginning? Why’d you stay behind the crosswalk even when the light was green?
Hi Gerala!
Yes, you are correct.
In Texas, if you are making an unprotected left turn, the "1st" car in line may enter the intersection and complete their left turn, even if the light turns yellow, so long as the vehicle entered the intersection when the light was green...Note that only the 1st vehicle in line is allowed to enter the intersection...the rest have to wait behind the crosswalk...
However, for the purposes of this course, which is designed for novice drivers, and their safety, I opted to stay behind the crosswalk and wait...Remember that just because something is legal, doesn't always make it safe...consider a right turn on red...it is legal to turn right on red, unless otherwise posted, after making a complete stop and of course if it is safe to proceed, but a driver is not mandated to turn right on red if they choose to wait or deem the turn unsafe...so again, i could've legally entered the intersection to initiate my left turn, but just decided to wait.
Thanks for the question and have a great week!
Was wondering the same thing, in BC Canada this is mandatory iirc
If the oncoming lane had too much car.. I mean enough for our lane to turn red and you in the crosswalk or middle of the intersection. You're screwed pedestrian will angry at you and driver who in you're left and the right intersection will be stuck and be angry at you.
Very useful and informative video sir.
Quick question, for unprotected left turns, I thought since it's green you're supposed to advance into the intersection (or maybe the second limit line). In the video, I think you waited until oncoming traffic was clear and then you advanced. Was this due to personal preference or are you supposed to be behind the line? Thank you! :)
what happens when u are going to make an unprotected left turn, and there is an incoming car that is also making a left turn, do you wait for them too?
Hi @Mr.Neon661!
So, in a situation where you are making an "unprotected left turn," and there is an oncoming vehicle also making an "unprotected left turn," you don't necessarily have to wait for them to complete their turn (see 2:08 in the video), however, there may be a case where the oncoming vehicle making a left, is big enough ( a large truck, semi, bus, etc...) to block your view of oncoming traffic (proceeding straight), so again, it is always best to err on the side of caution and let them complete their left before proceeding.
Every scenario you will face will be a bit different in terms of variables (weather, traffic conditions, etc...) and how you approach it. Which is where experience will play a role in helping you determine the safest course of action...Thanks a bunch for the question @Mr.Neon661!
@1:45 How did you make it that its unprotected left. In the left traffic light unit, there are 4 units , so there could be arrow signal as well? How do we know the difference by just seeing the solid green traffic light that it is a protected left or not?
Hey man thank you for ur videos I just got a driving job here in downtown Portland so nervous .
that's good, problem is when heavy oncoming traffic can't stop coming
If you have an unprotected turn do you also have to yield to right turn vehicles if there are 2 lanes? Could you go in the left lane if they go in the right lane? I’ve always been confused with that
Hello. Yes, anytime you are making an unprotected left turn, you must yield to all oncoming traffic...whether they are going straight or turning right. :)
Even in cases where you have a protected left turn (arrow in the direction of the turn), you still have to watch out for cars that may either run the red light or turn right on red; when there are 2 lanes to our into.
Should you enter the intersection or wait before the stop line for a gap in traffic?
If your a pansy then you wait
Limit line
what if incoming traffic is cleared and you’ve inched up already but it turn red as ur planning to turn? can you still turn since there’s no incoming traffic?
Great question Rosie; in Texas, a vehicle is allowed to "inch" into an intersection to make an unprotected left turn, so long as the light is GREEN and you are the FIRST vehicle in line...meaning, if the light is yellow, you cannot enter the intersection and that the 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc. vehicle in line, must wait for the first one to proceed and clear the intersection before they can enter the intersection. Once you've entered the intersection, again as long as the light is GREEN and you're the FIRST vehicle in line, you may still proceed even if the light turns yellow and then red...You still have to look out for pedestrians and of course oncoming traffic as they may fail to yield to you...
@@parenttaughtdrivingcourse8886 ok thank u! and same goes for california right?
At an unprotected left turn what if you are turning left and there is no oncoming traffic going straight but there is oncoming traffic turning right? Can you go or do you have to wait?
Hi Ryan,
Great question. If you are making an unprotected left turn, you must yield to all oncoming traffic, whether they are going straight or turning right...
In your scenario, you may only complete your unprotected left turn, once oncoming traffic (turning right or otherwise) is clear and the vehicle/s complete their right turn...
Hope this helps.
FYI, if you forward to about 2 minutes 10 seconds, you'll notice that i wait for the oncoming, white truck to make their right turn, before I make my left.
This is the question I was looking for. In my neighborhood we have a left turn yielding light. I always yield to turn left but as I approach, cars turning right approach but then they stop and don't move. I'm assuming they think I have the right of way. Both sides are green to turn I believe.
When I took my test there was this hand signal call u-turn. Now it seems nobody knows the uturn signal lol
can i follow the car infront of me when theres unprotected left turn?
Protected turns are better .
Agreed....however, you must still scan the road and anticipate oncoming vehicles who may fail-to-yield...
Hi I live in california and in a couple days I take my driving test. I know there are multiple unprotected left turns and my driving instructor told me to inch out when i am the first person in line and wait for oncoming traffic. Is that true. Can i always inch out and then complete my turn? or should i always stay behind the crosswalk? Also idk the rules in california but can i still complete the turn of lets say the light turns yellow if i am already stuck out in the intersection?
Hi Sierra, motor vehicle laws are going to vary in each state. In Texas you can "inch out" into the intersection, to complete an unprotected left turn, as long as the traffic light is green and you are the "First" vehicle in line :)
@@parenttaughtdrivingcourse8886 Okay, i’ll try to look up some things about california laws, but thank you so much and i appreciate your videos!
NICE!
You know some intersections are different like say there is 2 lanes and first example in the left lane you can go straight or right and right lane straight or right. 2nd example there is a left turn lane in the left intersection and in the right lane there you can go either straight or right… so how can you tell the other side of the roads lane marking because there different??
Great question, the markings on the opposite side of the road may be difficult to see & read, but remember that traffic lights will dictate the right-of-way and flow of traffic...However, it is still important that you scan the road and anticipate what other's may do...
if there was pedestrian on the left while i i’m turning to the left, am i able to inch up like how u did at 2:08 and wait for the pedestrian to pass or do i have to stay where i am until they pass across?
You're able to inch forward as long as the light is GREEN and you're the FIRST vehicle in line, however, you MUST ALWAYS yield to oncoming traffic, bicycles and pedestrians that may be in the crosswalk. In other words, you may ONLY proceed when the intersection and crosswalk is clear. :)
Thanks for this!
Do I have to wait at the intersection for unprotected left turn or can I go in the middle of the intersection and make the left turn
I was about to crash when doing this. Dude missed me by a few inches
What do you do if you are waiting for oncoming traffic, then one of the cars stops in the lane you are yielding for? Should you go or wait for them to go first?
Hi Kiana,
In your scenario, if an oncoming car stops to let you turn, you should wait until through traffic is completely clear and you can proceed...especially if there are multiple oncoming lanes...you won't be able to tell if vehicles in the other lanes will stop to let you turn...
Your example is more common when traffic that is backed up and oncoming traffic (multiple lanes) leave a gap into a parking lot (for example)...I have seen many collisions in this type of situation because, typically what happens is that the vehicle in the oncoming lane nearest to you will stop out of courtesy, but then cars in the other oncoming lanes don't see you turning left in front of them...
so, i always recommend you wait until oncoming traffic is completely clear...
thank you
THANKS
I just wait for the left green arrow
that stops traffic.
if it’s safe u can go lol
@@Dontrespondtome169 no when last time someone gunned there car like 90mph and came out of nowhere.
@@Ibhenriksen that’s why u wait until completely empty
@@Dontrespondtome169 I did wait. It was empty, then turned and boom car came out of nowhere, I had to slam on the breaks almost causing a collision. (No cops were around to give him a ticket)
I disagree with your left turn technique. You have every right to pull out into the intersection to wait for oncoming traffic to clear. But you didn’t do that. It is maddening to be behind someone like you that sits behind the stop line when oncoming traffic never clears and you sit through another red light!
Actually I had that mindset too however ........i did just this when there was heavy traffic and it was marked as a critical error and failed my drivers test! 😐
So basically always wait behind the limit line (i know frustrating but its to prevent you from ending up there if it turns red)
Hi Mike, I don't disagree with you, it frustrates me too. However, this video is intended for inexperienced teen drivers and is part of our driver education course. So again, although I agree with your comment, I always err on the side of caution when it comes to content for novice drivers. Same can be said when sitting at a red light, waiting to turn right and the car in front doesn't turn; can be frustrating for sure; and although it is legal in Texas (and most other states) to turn right on red, I don't encourage teens to make maneuvers that increase risk, until they've had plenty of time behind-the-wheel. Especially since there are tons of variables, like lane width and can the size of the vehicle which may require wider turns; plus, i know it's happened to me, but the last thing any of us want is for someone to dart out in front us...anyhow, thanks for the comment.