Turning Left at a Junction: The MSPSL Routine Explained

MSPSL stands for Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look: the routine you use every time you approach a junction or change direction. For a left turn, it means checking your mirrors early, signalling left, keeping to the left, slowing right down, and looking into the new road before you turn.

Lesson Journey: this guide is part of our lesson-by-lesson series for learner drivers.

• Lesson 1: The cockpit drill (DSSSM)
• Lesson 2: Moving off and stopping
• Lesson 3: Turning left (MSPSL) (you are here)
• Lesson 4: Turning right (MSPSL)
• Coming next: roundabouts and more

Next: Turning right (MSPSL) →

1. Mirrors: check your interior mirror, then your left door mirror, in good time before the junction.
2. Signal: signal left, early enough for others to see, but not so early that you could be mistaken for turning into an earlier road or driveway.
3. Position: stay in your normal position, about a metre from the kerb. Don’t swing out to the right before turning.
4. Speed: brake gently to a slow walking pace and choose the right gear, usually second. Slow down early, before you start steering.
5. Look: look into the road you’re turning into for pedestrians, parked cars and hazards. Do a final check of your left mirror for cyclists, then turn.

• Cyclists and motorcyclists: they may come up on your left side and be hidden from view. Don’t overtake a cyclist just before turning left and then cut across them.
• Pedestrians: under the Highway Code (rule H2), you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into.
• Bus and cycle lanes: give way to anyone using them, from either direction.

Steer smoothly so you follow the kerb round, staying on the left of the new road. Look where you want to go, not at the kerb. Straighten up as the road straightens, then check your mirrors and build up speed.

• Approaching too fast and braking while steering.
• Swinging wide, or cutting the corner and clipping the kerb.
• Missing the final left mirror check for cyclists.
• Forgetting to check the new road for pedestrians.

Why it matters on test day: not making effective observations at junctions is the most common reason people fail, and not using mirrors correctly when changing direction is the 2nd. See all top 10 reasons people fail.

Next: the same routine with more to think about, in Lesson 4: turning right.

Our DVSA-approved instructors practise junctions with you on quiet roads first, then busier ones. Manual and automatic lessons across Greater Manchester, from £35 an hour, 7 days a week from 7am to 11:30pm.

Fill in the form and we’ll match you with an instructor near you, or call 07758 837589.

The Highway Code, GOV.UK. Checked 12 November 2026. Routines like DSSSM and MSPSL are how instructors teach the Highway Code; your instructor may use a slightly different version.

What does MSPSL stand for?

Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look. It is the routine for approaching junctions and hazards. Some instructors call it MSM (mirrors, signal, manoeuvre) with PSL inside it.

What gear should I be in to turn left?

Usually second gear, at a slow walking pace. On a very sharp turn, or if you need to stop, you may need first.

Do I have to give way to pedestrians when turning left?

Yes. The Highway Code says you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into.

When should I signal left?

In good time, after checking mirrors, but not so early that others think you are turning into an earlier road or driveway.