Road Positioning
Where to Position
Keep to the left in normal driving (in Great Britain), but leave enough room to respond to hazards such as:
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Vehicle doors opening
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Pedestrians stepping out
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Children running into the road
Do not:
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Drive too close to the kerb, especially in crowded areas
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Weave between parked vehicles — it’s confusing and dangerous
Move slightly left if it’s safe to allow faster traffic to overtake.
The Correct Position
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Keep to the left when driving straight ahead or turning left
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Move closer to the centre line when turning right, ensuring it’s safe to do so
Good positioning:
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Improves safety and visibility
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Helps maintain steady traffic flow
One-Way Streets
In one-way streets, all traffic travels in the same direction.
Position yourself correctly based on your intended route:
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Turning left: Keep to the left-hand lane
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Going straight ahead: Use the most suitable lane, usually the left, unless signs say otherwise
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Turning right: Keep to the right-hand lane if it’s clear
Follow road markings closely and get into the correct lane early.
Be cautious — some drivers may make sudden lane changes without signalling.
Traffic in one-way streets often moves quickly, and vehicles may pass on either side.
Lane Discipline
Lane markings are there to:
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Make best use of available road space
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Provide clear route guidance for drivers
Get into the correct lane in good time.
If you miss your lane, do not cut across other vehicles — continue safely and find another route.
Changing Lanes
When changing lanes:
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Check mirrors and blind spots
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Signal clearly in good time
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Move only when it’s safe
Never:
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Weave between lanes
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Straddle two lanes
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Change lanes at the last moment
Stay centred in your lane until it’s time to move.
In Heavy or Slow-Moving Traffic
Avoid:
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Changing lanes unnecessarily
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Straddling lanes
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Blocking “Keep Clear” areas
Allow for:
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Pedestrians crossing
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Cyclists filtering on the left
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Large vehicles straddling lanes before turning
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Motorcyclists passing between lanes
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Doors opening from stationary vehicles
Driving Ahead and Lane Use
Keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking.
Don’t use the right-hand lane just because you’re travelling fast.
On roads with four or more lanes, follow lane control signals that may restrict or allow lane use at certain times.
Bus and Cycle Lanes
Bus and cycle lanes are clearly marked by road signs and markings.
Only enter if permitted — check the operating times on the signs.
Approaching Junctions
Plan ahead. Watch for signs and markings early and get into position in good time.
If there are two lanes:
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Turning left → keep left
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Going straight → stay left unless signs show otherwise
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Turning right → move right in good time
If there are three lanes:
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Turning left → use the left-hand lane
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Going straight → use the left or middle lane as indicated
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Turning right → use the right-hand lane
Do not try to “cut in” at the junction to gain advantage.
Slip Roads
Some junctions include a slip road for turning left.
Move into the left-hand lane in good time so you can reduce speed without holding up other traffic.