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The three-point turn (sometimes called a Y-turn, K-turn, or broken U-turn) is the standard method of turning a vehicle around to face the opposite direction in a limited space, using forward and reverse gears. This is typically done when the road is too narrow for a U-turn.
Contents
Demonstrating this manoeuvre is commonly required in a driving test.
Process
The basic manoeuvre consists of driving across the road turning towards the offside kerb, reversing across the road to the original nearside kerb while turning, and driving forward towards the original offside kerb, now the nearside. In a narrow road or with a longer vehicle, more than three legs may be required to achieve a full 180 degree rotation.
Naming
"Three point turn" is the formal name in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and in many regions of the United States. Less common terms are: "Y-turn", "K-turn", and Broken U-turn but in the UK and Ireland, the official name is "Turning in the road (using forward and reverse gears)" - because an acceptable turn may include more than three points.