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Positioning yourself to turn: the 3-step method

Turning is not something you improvise: you prepare it before the junction. The method comes down to three words — signal, position, give way — and where you position yourself depends on which side you are turning.

The three-step method

1. Signal. Every change of direction must be signalled in good time: use your indicator if your moped has one, otherwise extend your arm on the side you are turning. And you cancel the signal as soon as the manoeuvre is complete.

2. Position. To turn right: move gradually towards the right-hand edge. To turn left, the rule depends on the street: two-way carriageway → move towards the centre line (the middle) without crossing it; one-way carriageway → position yourself as far left as possible.

3. Give way. When turning left, you give way to traffic coming from the opposite direction and going straight ahead — even if you got there first. In both directions, pedestrians crossing the street you are turning into go before you.

Pre-positioning at a glance
StepTurning rightTurning left
SignalIndicator / right armIndicator / left arm
PositionMove to the right-hand edgeTowards the centre line (two-way) or as far left as possible (one-way)
Give wayPedestrians crossingOncoming traffic + pedestrians

Blind spots and busy junctions

Before any sideways move, do a shoulder check: the mirror does not show everything, and one twitch of the handlebars is enough to unbalance you if someone is coming. Look, signal, then move.

You are turning left from a two-way carriageway. You position yourself…