How to Make Proper Right and Left Turns in Tesla Cars

Have you ever felt a little nervous about making a turn while driving? Well, you are not alone! Whether it’s a right turn at a stop sign or a left turn at a busy intersection, getting it right is super important-especially in a Tesla. Teslas are packed with innovative technology, but that doesn’t mean they drive themselves, at least not yet, so you need to know the basics of making smooth and safe turns.

This guide is for anyone learning to drive or intending to take driving classes at a Tesla Driving School in Nevada. Let’s break it down into manageable steps!

How Tesla Achieves Its Unique Features While Turning

Teslas are different from regular cars in many ways, and knowing these differences will help you turn smoothly and safely.

Regenerative Braking: The car automatically slows when you take your foot off the accelerator, changing how you enter a turn.

Smooth Steering: Electric power steering in Teslas makes the turning easy but with a light touch.

Autopilot-but Not for Turns: Tesla’s Autopilot can assist in driving, but you need to be in control every time you turn.

Did you know that about 22% of all car crashes happen at intersections? Turning is so vital that it must be learned properly.

Proper Right Turn in a Tesla

Right turns are usually less complicated than left, but good technique is required. Here’s how to do it:

Steps for a Safe Right Turn:

Check Your Surroundings: Look for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles. Check your mirrors and blind spots.

Signal Early: Start your right turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn (about half a city block).

Smooth Slow Down: Release the accelerator and let regenerative braking slow you down. Use the brake where necessary.

Turn Smoothly: As you reach the turn, smoothly turn right. Keep both hands on the wheel.

Stay in Your Lane: Don’t cut corners! Stay in the far right lane except to pass.

Accelerate Smoothly: Press the accelerator smoothly to regain speed once you’re through the turn.

How To Execute a Proper Left Turn with a Tesla

Left turns are trickier because you usually have to cross oncoming traffic. Let’s break it down step by step.

Safety for Left Turn:

Look Around First: Scan for traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Signal Early: Give your left turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn to alert other drivers.

Move into the Left Lane: If there’s a dedicated turn lane, use it. If not, position your car close to the center of the road.

Wait for a Safe Gap: If there is no green arrow, wait for an opening in oncoming traffic that is safe to turn into.

Turn Smoothly: This means to steer left quickly and avoid swinging too wide or tight.

Adjust Your Speed: After turning, you should continue accelerating smoothly to the traffic flow.

Common Mistakes New Drivers Make When Turning

Even with Tesla’s innovative features, mistakes can still happen. Here are some common ones to avoid:

Turning too early or late may result in cutting corners or drifting into another lane. Not checking blind spots: Always check before turning, even if you have cameras.

Braking Too Hard or Too Late: While Tesla’s regenerative braking helps with this, it always decelerates smoothly.

Forgetting Signal: This confuses other drivers and can be dangerous.

Why Learn to Drive a Tesla at Northwest Driving School? 

Learning to drive a Tesla is exciting, and the best way to master your turns is with professional lessons. At Northwest Driving School, you’ll get hands-on training with experienced instructors to help you:

Learn how to turn safely. 

Get comfortable with the driving features unique to Tesla 

Build confidence behind the wheel. 

Ready to drive like a professional? Enroll Now at Northwest Driving School and take the initial step toward becoming a skilled Tesla driver!