Minnesota Permit Practice Test

When making a left turn on a red light, what must you do first?

1. Speed up to make the turn quickly

2. Yield to traffic and pedestrians

3. Look for a "No Turn on Red" sign

4. Signal without stopping

The correct answer is: Yield to traffic and pedestrians

To make a left turn on a red light legally and safely, yielding to traffic and pedestrians is the first and foremost step. This requirement ensures that the turn does not interfere with the right-of-way of other road users and maintains the overall flow of traffic. When you take a left turn on red, it is essential to ensure that there are no vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that have the green light, nor should any pedestrians be crossing your path. Unlike right turns on red, which are generally more straightforward, left turns on red come with the added complexity of needing to check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians from both directions. This careful yielding is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure everyone's safety on the road. Looking for a "No Turn on Red" sign is also important when considering any turn at a red light, but the act of yielding takes priority as it dictates immediate action to prevent collisions. Signaling is important for maintaining communication with other drivers, but it should follow the yielding step after you determine that it is safe to proceed. Speeding up to make the turn is unsafe and reckless, as it may lead to miscalculating the distance or timing of other vehicles.