South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

What technique can be used to perform a turn around when there is no traffic on both sides of the road?

1. a three-point turn

2. a U-turn

3. a K-turn

4. a right turn

The correct answer is: a three-point turn

A three-point turn is an effective technique for performing a turnaround when the road is narrow and there is no traffic on either side. This maneuver allows a driver to turn the vehicle in a limited amount of space by making forward and backward movements in three distinct steps. First, the driver turns the wheel to one side, moving forward into the adjacent lane. Next, the driver shifts into reverse, turning the wheel in the opposite direction to swing the back of the vehicle around. Finally, the driver moves forward again, straightening the vehicle in the new direction. This method is particularly useful when a U-turn is impractical due to space constraints or regulations against such maneuvers in certain areas. In contrast, a U-turn is designed for situations where there is sufficient space to turn the vehicle around in a single motion, which may not always be the case. A K-turn typically refers to maneuvering in tight spaces, similar to a three-point turn but is more common in different driving contexts. A right turn is simply changing direction at an intersection and does not serve the purpose of turning around. Thus, the three-point turn is the most suitable and safe technique for executing a turnaround in the described scenario.