Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) Law Enforcement Driver Practice Test

During a right turn, what is the first step a driver should take?

1. Accelerate immediately

2. Move to the left side of the roadway

3. Signal their intent

4. Stop before the turn

The correct answer is: Move to the left side of the roadway

In executing a right turn, the first step a driver should take is to signal their intent. Clear signaling is essential for safe driving as it communicates to other road users — including pedestrians and other vehicles — your intentions. This enhances safety by allowing others to anticipate your actions and react accordingly. When preparing for a turn, after signaling, a driver must position their vehicle appropriately within the roadway, which involves moving closer to the right edge of the road if necessary. This positioning allows for a smoother and safer maneuver into the new lane or road. Additionally, checking mirrors and blind spots is imperative before making the turn to ensure that the path is clear. The other options suggest actions that would either be unsafe or improper in this context. For example, stopping before a turn could create a hazard for following vehicles and is not necessary unless it's required due to a traffic control device. Accelerating immediately can lead to loss of control, while moving to the left side of the roadway is not appropriate for a right turn, as it could confuse other drivers and put the vehicle in an unsafe position.