Turns, intersections and roundabouts

Key points

1. Always turn left from the left most part of your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-2

   “Always turn left from the left-most portion of your lane.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-2

2. When making a left turn, yield to oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-2

   “When making a left turn, yield to oncoming traffic.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-2

3. At all intersections, slow down and search for traffic controls, cross traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-4

   “At all intersections, reduce your speed and search for: traffic control devices, oncoming and cross traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-4

4. Do not rely on other road users to obey signals or signs. Some may not yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-4

   “Do not rely on other road users to obey traffic control signals or signs.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-4

5. Always look left, then right, and left again before entering the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-5

   “You should always look left, then right, and left again before entering the intersection.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-5

6. Do not turn into a lane just because an approaching vehicle has its turn signal on.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-5

   “Do not turn into a lane just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal active.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-5

7. In a roundabout, vehicles go counterclockwise and entering traffic yields to circulating traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-7

   “Vehicles travel counterclockwise around a raised center island with entering traffic yielding the right-of-way to circulating traffic.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-7

8. Roundabouts are safer because they eliminate head on and high speed right angle collisions.

   Source: Handbook p. 7-8

   “Roundabouts are safer than traditional intersections because they eliminate head-on and high-speed right angle collisions.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7-8

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. When entering a traffic circle, which traffic has priority?

   1. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout
   2. Vehicles waiting on every approach
   3. Only traffic approaching from the left
   4. No one, because entering traffic has priority
   Show answer

   Traffic already circulating in the roundabout. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. The manual describes traffic moving counterclockwise around a raised center island, so a driver at the entry should slow down, look for vehicles in the circle, and wait for a safe gap. Vehicles waiting on another approach do not automatically control the entry, and entering drivers do not receive priority merely because they reached the yield line. The useful cue is simple: circulating traffic goes first, then the entering vehicle joins the flow when clear.

2. 2. How does the South Carolina manual define a roundabout?

   1. A straight roadway with a temporary lane closure
   2. A circular intersection with design features that promote safe and efficient traffic flow
   3. A railroad crossing controlled by a white crossbuck
   4. A parking area where vehicles travel in either direction
   Show answer

   A circular intersection with design features that promote safe and efficient traffic flow. The manual defines a roundabout, also called a traffic circle, as a circular intersection designed to promote safe and efficient traffic flow. It then explains that vehicles travel counterclockwise around a raised center island and that entering traffic yields. A lane closure, railroad crossing, or ordinary parking area does not describe this intersection design. When recognizing a roundabout, look for the circular roadway around the central island and prepare to yield before entering the circulating lane.

3. 3. When approaching any intersection, what search should a South Carolina driver make?

   1. Look only for the traffic signal
   2. Look only to the right after entering
   3. Check for controls, cross traffic, pedestrians, roadway conditions, and limited visibility
   4. Accelerate before checking for pedestrians
   Show answer

   Check for controls, cross traffic, pedestrians, roadway conditions, and limited visibility. At every intersection, reduce speed and search broadly. The manual identifies traffic controls, oncoming and cross traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists, roadway condition, and areas where visibility is limited. Looking only for a signal or only to one side can miss a person or vehicle that does not obey the expected control. Accelerating first reduces the time available to respond. The practical cue is a complete scan before entry, with extra caution after stopping and before moving again.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7: General Driving. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.