My biggest takeaway from this video is that it's better just to turn left all the time 👍

I've never seen an offside turn in practise in 25 years of driving bikes and cars. I think the human factor that drives this is "must take the shortest possible path because it must be quicker" - the same reason most people cut corners at T-junctions or walk across grass if the pavement is a right angle, it's just an unquenchable human desire.

I very rarely use offside to offside. Can't remember when I last used it. I think nearside to nearside is used more often and possibly used by most drivers as the default option. 👍

It is very easy to get in a habit so the point about observing the other driver is very important. There is a traffic light controlled junction near me that, from the direction I normally approach from, lends itself to nearside/nearside. Most drivers do this, however now and again a driver approaching the opposite way sees it differently. I'll hold my hand up and admit I've automatically gone to go the way I normally do without observing the other driver on occasion and caused a bit of confusion.

I honestly can't remember the last time the facing driver let me turn offside-to-offside, even if the junction layout screams out that's the way to do it. The number of people commenting that they were never taught about this might explain why this is. Also, as Ibrahim has already pointed out, on the rare occasion you do get to do an offside-to-offside turn, some joker barrels up and blocks the gap in the queue that's needed to do it successfully.

I've actually seen situations where there are several vehicles waiting to turn right from both directions, attempting to do so offside to offside (driver to driver side)...and no one from either direction leaving a gap, resulting in everyone stuck in the middle! As the pop song goes "Stuck in the middle with you, and I don't know what to do" (Steelers Wheel).

One thing here I think needs to be covered here is when a larger vehicle has gone beyond half way because it’s the only way to make the turn. You don’t want to go offside to offside then because then it’ll obstruct the turn for the larger vehicle I have seen this happen. By rights initially the larger vehicle should give way, but if it’s already in position you should allow it to clear before proceeding into the junction.

Similarly to many comments. My dad told me you should turn offside to offside, but he learnt to drive many years ago. I hardly ever see vehicles turn offside to offside, but whenever I see buses and lorries I take my cue from them. As a general rule I allow extra space and time for lorries and buses.

Really helpful - I must confess my skill needed improving on this one - the hardest part of driving is reviewing one's own skills!

During my lessons I was taught offside to offside is better because oncoming cars that are going straight are less likely to get caught out by you crossing their path. With the near side approach you can be hidden from view if both cars waiting in the middle are waiting for a gap to go.

One other little "refinement" I add in these kinds of right turns when nearside to nearside and having to wait: To position myself as "reasonably" far over to the right as is I can but WITHOUT getting in the way of oncoming traffic. In order to increase visibility of oncoming traffic around the oncoming vehicle that is also waiting. Similar principle to positioning for optimal visibility on bends...and bearing in mind Ashley's previous video on this re "taking an inch or two" to improve visibility rather than an out and out effort to totally maximize visibility by being as far over to the right as possible...and potentially a greater risk from oncoming traffic.

In my experience, there is a North-South divide. Offside-offside is quite common in Northern England, but is rarely seen in the Midlands or the South.

Lots of good pointers there ash often really hard to explain that to pupils , it can be difficult and different each time Ill tell my pupils to have a watch of this 👌🏻

If there are lights controlling so that "crossers" have a cycle to themselves then nearside-nearside works best. If there are not lights, then offside-offside removes the blind spot for through traffic caused by the opposing car.

What an amazing coincidence! I have only recently become aware that this was a thing in the UK and I was just thinking yesterday or the day before I wonder how people decide which to use. Here in Australia, we're required to turn nearside-to-nearside always (that's at least true for Victoria), ie. we must turn to the right of the centre ("telegraph pole") of the intersection. The only time we turn offside-to-offside is when the road engineering forces it (either via a centre line down the space in the median or via an island you must "keep left" around). Oh, and if it's not already obvious we have no terminology for "offside" vs "nearside". Here it is merely referred to as a right turn -- sometimes "right turn across traffic" or "give way traffic light" to emphasis giving way to oncoming traffic and the lack of a protected turn arrow. My initial thoughts on offside-to-offside is that it seemed a bit crazy, but I'd like the better visibility and I think the little "dance" with the oncoming driver looks fun. Now that I think about it this already happens here with offset side-roads where you and the driver opposite are turning right. If you both pick the same gap in traffic, the dance occurs and everybody is pretty civil about it because you're both in the same situation -- allowances are usually made without fuss if one driver lags behind a bit.

Love being early to these videos, i legally cant drive but i still love watching these, very informative and entertaining.

I realised recently that when I was at school, we were taught to memorize rather than understand (I left school nearly 40 years ago), I've always found tests very easy because of that, I took a motorbike theory test about 8 years ago, bought the book with all the questions (most are just common sense!) But I read through that for a couple of days and and got all the questions right. What I like about this channel is the comments from people my age and older who feely admit there's things they didnt know or didnt understand. Education isn't just for the young.

Most driving is about being flexible, it's not all set in stone to do things a certain way because each scenario can be totally different. I learnt this due to having a bike license before a car license and you quickly learn that you can't just ride around with the mentality of, "I have priority and I'm doing it right, therefor I will not move" because you'd quickly be dead.

Love how you and BlackBeltBarrister regularly collaborate. Two of my favourite channels. Absolute Quality.

Another reason to check the road to the right that you are turning into: Are there any pedestrians crossing? I know that in the UK (unlike other countries) any pedestrian light for that line of pedestrian movement would be red "Don't Walk" during the green phase for cars on the adjacent street...but there again, we don't have "jaywalking" laws in the UK. An issue can occur when turning right to be so focused on the oncoming traffic, combined with a "I can make it if I'm quick"...only to find pedestrians crossing the road on the right that you are turning into. Could be an issue if there is an oncoming vehicle carrying straight on!

I do much as recommended, but I have never seen an explicit discussion of the techniques and tactics (annd I've been a licensed driver going on 60 years). Always interesting presentations, Ashley, this one was particularly so for me. Happy to confirm I learned something new. Now my head hurts, thanks, I guess. I do try to be flexible, be clear on what I want/need to do, and watch what the other drives do and try to assist them as I can.

I know in other countries, this turning procedure is standardized to always be nearside to nearside (passenger to passenger). The only exceptions would be if the intersection is staggered. It's interesting to observe that quite a few aspects of UK driving are left up to drivers to decide whereas other countries, it's pretty much written in stone. Signalling a manouvre is another example. In the UK, up to the driver to decide if "anyone will benefit" but in other countries, always a legal requirement.

If you directly face opposing right turners in their lane it helps traffic behind have an extra lane for proceeding forward trouble is if opposing traffic wants to go straight in that lane.

Also, you need to consider the size of the vehicle coming towards you. Larger vehicles may need the space that nearside to nearside would take up just to make the turn at all. A good example would be a coach turning right from Durnill Street on to Edge Lane. All car drivers approaching from Holt Road and turning right go for nearside to nearside but if I do that in a coach, I will demolish the traffic lights in the middle....

Fantastic video and great approach. The HC is totally vague on the subject. When I learned in 1980, we were taught to go offside to offside. In real life, hardly anyone does that. Probably because of the danger of cars getting log jammed if a second vehicle follows the first one onto the junction. Everyone should do right turns at junctions the Ashley way. Life would be that much easier!

There are some really good learning points in this video. Excellently done. 👍

Been such a long time since I did a junction like this. Thanks for the refresher.

Crazy how much clearer and smoother the video is from the Akaso camera compared to say even the most expensive dash cams. Really shows you how behind the tech currently is.

Really explained well, and cleared up any uncertainties... thanks

I don't usually learn much from Ashley, but I have from this video

Fantastic vid Ash. Simplified something that can be tricky. I have also learnt from this.

I'm so glad you're covering this. It drives me mad how few people know how to turn right and I want to make sure I'm getting it right.

I can't ever recall using offside-to-offside except for a very few intersections that are marked as such due to an unusually-wide median, but I think Australian roads are better marked in that respect. Or we just have more space for intersections since our roads are not quite so ancient. One place where there was confusion is Longreach in Queensland where there are indeed power poles in the dead centre of intersections. Many drivers use them as if they are roundabouts and so nearside-to-nearside is possible and common among visitors. I did it the first time but went back to offside-to-offside once I recognised the conundrum and watched the locals for a bit as a pedestrian. Locals are more likely to be driving dusty utes and pick-ups in case you're wondering.

in my jurisdiction (BC Canada - driving on the opposite side of the road to you brits) 95% of the turns "should" be done passenger side to passenger side (we are not taught "near side or offside" terminology - in fact, there is NO instruction about the difference at all! - as a motorcycle instructor/mentor i DO cover the flexibility for vision and safety for my riders, but this is me personally, not formal official doctrine here.) Cheers and thank you for posting the video, Ashley!

Explained brilliantly. Really enjoy watching the videos . I remember meeting up with Ashley 2 yrs ago and gave me training for my standard check test

I think near side to near side is most common for me, only time I do it the other way is when the road markings dictate it, and even that is rare.👍

Thanks for making the point at the end that a big part of this is learning how to adapt to the situation, and not getting stuck in a routine. The offside/nearside conflict caused me my first accident this year. Both drivers wanting to turn right, very narrow and blind to the left from both sides. A lack of communication/cooperation led to the collision, equal blame really. But I had done that route a dozen times in the passed couple of days as I was doing a house move and so I'd gotten in to a routine instead of adapting to the other driver.

Love your videos Ashley, they keep me in check after watching them on my day to day driving. Been driving for 30 years and I was taught to keep left ( assume the reason for this is because us brits drive on the left)when turning right UNLESS the road markings tell me otherwise. Never had a problem with this tbh , noticed over the years that by going by this rule the problem corrects unsure drivers who maybe have been taught what you say in your video

I must admit I am always confused with these scenarios. Either I am crossing the path of oncoming vehicle or the oncoming vehicle is crossing my path. Another good vlog to keep and refer to on KZfaq, Ashley. 👌

No-one here in New Zealand does off-side to off-side, even if the road layout calls for it. I don't think that technique has ever been taught. So I always hold back and use that edging forward technique because you can't see round the crossing vehicles.

You are absolutely right about watching what other driver is doing and mirroring them. Otherwise, if you try and turn offside to offside, they can be confused and cut cut across in front of you, assuming a nearside to nearside. Some junctions with marking make things clearer. As always, approach with caution.

Thank you. I tend to feel nervous in such situations but your instructions were helpful how to proceed such junctions

Thanks Ashley, glad the problem has now been resolved.

Nicely explained. I'm glad to say I have been doing this for years - especially, taking the lead from those turning from the opposite direction. I don't recall being taught one way or the other - it was nearly 40 years ago, after all. It just seems to be the logical way to do it.

Very interesting video. Genuinely never heard of this and didn't realise there were multiple ways of turning. Never really thought about positioning for a turn other than where is safest and out of the way.

First time I attempted offside to offside was on my moped on the first day on the road. I’m now nearly 57 and never tried it since .

Very clearly presented Ashley!!

As a driver from the 70's era I was taught generally the rule was offside to offside but, over the years I have adapted to the approach you have. The objective is to get safely and quickly through the junction with minimum hold up for everybody. My biggest gripe is with those who enter the junction showing a nearside to nearside attitude but continue into the pathway of vehicles going straight across causing them to have to move further left to continue or blocking their exit. Then having to allow the thoughtless/rude move to complete and maybe attract abuse from those behind.

I’m glad that around my local streets in Orpington everything is nicely marked up on the roads. The only thing you have to watch out for is whether you’ll get a protected right turn or not as it changes depending on the time of day and you always have to double check whether the opposing traffic is coming or not, especially if you arrive at the green light.

This is such a good video Ash, I have been negotiating these for years - and choosing with no problem - but I don’t think I have ever known why or even had it explained to me.

A candidate where offside to offside can improve traffic flow is at a minor/major cross roads without signal control. Traffic turning alternate directions from the minor roads should turn offside to offside. It allows two vehicles to move smoothly out of either side of the junction and clear safely. If a car chooses nearside to nearside, it causes a blockage for the vehicle opposite.

If you're not sure, always slow down. Buys you time and gives you options.

I really enjoyed this video. I think you explained the issues really well. My dad always said that you should turn offside to offside! You couldn't tell himthat he might be wrong sometimes! I am going to make sure that my all my family watch this. Thanks again.

As a few have commented - Offside to Offside relies upon other vehicles in the opposite direction (and wanting to turn) not blocking you. If this happens in both directions then everyone is gridlocked ! Great video - some smashing points (OK that was badly worded LOL).

Brilliant, thanks for your insight into this often complicated issue. If you know junctions you use regularly it's usually not a problem. However it becomes a problem if you are unaware of the area you're driving.

Every time I've seen someone use offside to offside when they could have used nearside it's been a total disaster leading to gridlock when the the car behind blocks the one opposite trying to turn

This was helpful. I passed my test in the 1970s and was taught to "drive on the left" in accordance with the then Highway Code I still have the copy.) In turn, we were taught that the default rule was to pass offside to offside and never to cut in front of an oncoming vehicle. Driving more to the left also meant that the preferred turn was helped by the extra distance between the offsides of the two vehicles. I have been hesitant to commit to the nearside version in case I misjudge to situation and cause a collision. I note there are many nearside turns indicated by road markings but the comment about doing what the oncoming driver does is a neat way to learn the latest approaches to traffic behaviour. In my 60s, it's always good to learn something new and useful.

When it comes to those lights (6:08) if I was the driver going straight, i'd naturally just flash or wave them on first, as I find this much kinder to others if they are having a particularly hard day... I always drive to the nature that everyone else needs a wave.

The clip around 5:00 should be pretty obvious. No one in their right mind would go nearside to nearside because not only dies the break in the reservation give a defining point but it also mirrors the road your turning into. If you went nearside to nearside, you'd both be on the wrong side of the road you're approaching!

People usually go offside to offside when a box marking requires it, but when the floor is blank people will usually go nearside to nearside because everyone wants to turn as soon as possible.

I was taught in the 70s to do offside-offside as a default, and I seem to remember that was what was shown in the HWC at the time. After I passed my test, I quickly found that most drivers wouldn't even think about doing that. I genuinely cannot remember the last time I did offside to offside. That's not to say that I would refuse to do that, but visibility issues aside, it's generally quicker. Some countries don't permit it.

Yep you nailed it 👍 Some are obvious as dictated by the positioning of the oncoming Lane. Some are indicated by road markings. Some a indicated by filter lane signs/lights Some are dictated by the position and angle of the exit roads And some are 50/50 depending on the positions and intentions of the other road users. [look ahead, give yourself time to establish which, be positive…. don’t dither, and don’t go for the middle and block everything] ***and if you go Nr side to Nr side bloody well look out for other traffic coming though***

It's probably one of the most tricky parts of driving I think. On approach you're assessing the state of the lights (if there are any), road markings, the geometry of the junction, what other turning road users are (or should) be doing, other traffic flow and what's going on down the side roads, all the while trying to make progress and avoid a deadlock situation. Any one of those factors can mean having to change from the "right" approach for any particular junction. It must be hard to teach this stuff, it's a skill that takes time and experience to develop.

I do remember seeing junctions where offside to offside is indicated in the road markings, may not have been in the UK though.

Had a perfect case yesterday. I was intending to turn right off the main road onto a side road at a cross roads. Car approaching from the opposite direction wanting to turn to his right and clearly set up to turn NS/NS. He flashed me at least 4 or 5 times to go and I got the impression was getting annoyed that I hadn't. Simple reason I didn't go, he'd moved over and was just straddling the centre line, and had left enough room for a steady stream of traffic to squeeze past his NS and straight past me. Not convinced he noticed tbh. No gap for me to complete the turn safely. In true Ash style, I'm not sure whether there was more I could have done. Possibly to be honest. I.e had I gone too far forward that prevented him passing in front of me, can't really remember but I think I got to the turning point before he did and was just waiting for a gap so perhaps it was just bad luck. 🤔

I'm really surprised by the number of "I was never taught about this" or similar comments. Looks like this was a timely and sorely needed video. That makes me ask are there other things that are rarely taught and ought to be, that need their own videos?

Love your videos Ashley; there's always something we can do to improve. My brother summed it up perfectly when I passed my test 40 years ago; "You've passed your test, now you start learning to drive." he was so right.

I don’t remember any of this from my lessons. I’m sure I was taught something but I certainly don’t remember it and I also don’t have a clue what decisions I make at junctions. I guess I’ll be paying a bit more attention now to see what happens.

8 years of driving and I don't think I've ever done offside to offside without road markings displaying it, I agree that every situation must be assessed individually not based on which way you like to do it 👍 great video Ashley

honestly these sort of made me un easy before now but your way of explaining things is bang on next time i get one of these im definitely going to be able to handle it more competently (learner driver)

I agree that you react to the situation, as it presents itself. Sadly, however, that doesn't help the learner on their test if the examiner is determined that there is a specific way it should be done.

I can’t think of a time when I’ve used offside/offside, unless the junction was marked like that

In Italy it’s nearside. In France (and most European countries) it’s offside - unless impossible. Simpler. I prefer offside myself as 1) the view is clearer. 2) less tempted to cut corners. 3)last but not least, if Mr. Nearside thinks Mr. Offside will head nearside, and turns in front of him… bang❗️ In the end, it is Mr. Nearside that cut the path of a car coming from the opposite direction… I doubt his insurance will consider his « he should have copied me as I went nearside to nearside! »

The other point to note is that it can be useful to learn how the signalling is set up for particular junctions. E.g. for some layouts with painted lane marking lines that require pass on the left side and with stop lines in the middle of the junction, and suitable signalling, it is possible for opposing moves to have green, so one has to give way at the stop line, but there are other setups at which they do not, so in effect a green arrow gives one right away across the whole lot (as long as the conflicting move actually stops at red, that is!). Not far from where I live, there are some junctions which were set up to allow opposing moves, like that, and others that do not. Some junctions were the responsibility of the local authority, and the others belonged to Highways, so it pays to learn the route to interpret it correctly. For some of them, a green arrow is a full on right away across the junction, but strangers might not know that. In the absence of local route knowledge, it’s important to be defensive, even if the locals grumble about it.

very useful, hadnt really thought about it as set out, just kinda gone with the flow but makes sense.

6:53 I as so with you there. there was a junction I was at today where the driver in front did the full circumference when diagonally was more than possible.

Very many thanks for this. I often thought the driver to driver was a dying breed of turns and have been keen to see you make this. What you’ve shown is that it’s much more down to architecture of the road design (a bit, such as where the road being turned in to has a central reservation) and also down to behaviour (how the others turn). Another decision point might also be the type of other vehicle turning. A lorry is likely to adopt a different approach to its turn (and we need to respond differently) to a small car (and we might operate differently at the same junction). I kind of wish road designers were a bit more explicit in their choices and markings so it was a bit more obvious for drivers. I sort of don’t routinely ‘adopt’ a driver to driver approach where there’s a symmetrical and simple cross junction. This might be emergent behaviour where I expect this was more common before I learned to drive and roads are busier and junctions are now more controlled now. Hanging back a touch to see how others behave is great advice, especially on unfamiliar roads.

As you will all of seen, some junctions have turn arrows & small opposing "right turn bays" in the middle. However, there can be an issue with these as they can be very small and / or would require a sharp turn "into" after clearing the usual "keep left" island right by the stop line

Roundabouts and mini roundabouts are a guide. You always pass o/s-o/s there. Other intersections, if you can imagine them being a mini roundabout, that is if there is room in the centre of the intersection for a mini roundabout it might be advisable to act similarly. This would be the case when turning into a dual carriageway, likely also when turning out of one. If there is not room in the intersection, or if the roads are laid out or marked for n/s-n/s then that is the obvious way to turn. Do not make intersections more difficult than they need to be. Keep it simple.

It also depends on how busy the roads are and whether cars have the sense to leave some turning gaps. I'm thinking of the ones who pile into the queue turning even though their light has gone red.

In the 40 years of my driving, I've found its just easier to do opposite to on coming traffic turning opposite to me, or if I'm away quicker than them, they follow me, in nearside to nearside. Many junctions in and Manchester and Liverpool have the offside to offside lanes and they do cause bottle necks. not the cleverest off an idea, when theirs 4 lanes of traffic. 3 lanes could be running and because a flow of straight ahead traffic, is still coming across, its always blocks them wanting to turn right, because the opposite lane that again wants to turn right are blocking my exit. Hope that makes sense.

Offside is the official Highway Code method and should be used…BUT if the oncoming car won’t do the dance you could (potentially) hit it. Caveats: Road markings can force an angle favouring one method or the other!

When I had lessons 50 years ago life was much simpler and the requirement back then was to pass offside to offside as it gave maximum visibility of on coming traffic and some time ago it was tested when at a lights controlled junction I was in the LH lane to carry straight on with a car turning right in the RH lane, As I got to the rear of the RH lane car another car popped out from the front of it moving forward to see what was coming and it was me! The collision stuffed my offside front corner in and as I had only third party insurance I had to claim from the other drivers insurance, which refused to pay out as they said that I should have avoided the accident by turning left into the side road. That simply wasn't possible in the short distance I had when the other car became visible. I have noted that many junctions have lane markings that require nearside to nearside passing that leaves the car turning right completely unsighted so that far from aiding traffic flow, I hang back allowing the car turning across me to clear the junction to give me adequate visibility, this has helped me at one large junction many times and prevented coming together with an approaching car. I take Ashley's point that each junction should be handled individually but the tendency is to pass nearside to nearside by lazy drivers. Hanging back to see what the on coming vehicle does is not a very good option as what happens when both you and the on coming vehicle decide to do the same - "After you Claude." "No after you Harry"....................

One factor not discussed is the size of the vehicles involved. Turning offside-to-offside doesn't work in tight junctions if the facing vehicles are large vans, buses or trucks.

Very helpful information sir thank you so much 💗

here's one from me. when 2 cars come to a main road and both want to turn right on to it, if it's quiet, I find that offside to offside is miles better because you can both join the main road at the same time, rather than waiting for the other driver resulting in a Mexican standoff.

Useful video..... Being flexible is a good approach

Good video and useful information given.

I was told that it should be done offside-to-offside. But nobody does it that way, so go nearside-to-nearside because it's predictable.

Very interesting video, thanks 👍

Great points. I’m always planning what I’m going to do at lights (mostly nearside to nearside) but then also have a plan B if something alters my plan just like passing offside to offside. I’ve found a slightly staggered junction is a good case for this and it depends on the design. Exit road closer to me than the opposite side then it’s nearside to nearside, exit road further away then it’s offside to offside. Still learning after seven months of driving and only 6k miles. Just love these videos

This has always been a problem for me, even after over 50 yrs driving. The highway code recommends offside to offside as it gives a clearer view. Using near to near need extra care. Drivers appears to prefer near to near, is this because it allows corner cutting? Does near to near improve flow? Going near to near means, waiting /taking more care / going slower, till you are able to see to be safe. However, I now do as Ashleigh recommends, watch the other driver (most tend near to near ) and drive to suit, waiting until I can see the road is clear, instead of being able to go earlier if we had been off off and I could see the road was clear. I like the idea of imagining a telegraph pole, thanks, I'm still learning.

Very helpful video 🙂

There are some junctions that I use that would quite often benefit from an offside to offside turn but I find it impossible to get other drivers to position that way and instead the junction gets blocked until the lights change. I only ever see it used when there are line markings forcing it.

Good channel..Thanks mate

Offside to offside seems to be rarely used these days. I think you sometimes have to try to read the other driver’s mind, because he or she might have a different idea in mind to you.

Wow This made me think ... Is it something I've ever thought about. I don't remember being thought both ways 🤔 Have I always just done it one way, surely not.

I cannot remember the last time I did offside-to-offside.

I have struggled with this in the past, will try to be more adaptable in the future

A good explanation Ashley but you would not like to fail your test because the examiner thought you had taken a particular junction wrong.