---
title: Road Positioning
---

# 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:

- Vehicle doors opening
- Pedestrians stepping out
- Children running into the road

**Do not:**

- Drive too close to the kerb, especially in crowded areas
- 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

- Keep to the **left** when driving straight ahead or turning left
- Move **closer to the centre line** when turning right, ensuring it’s safe to do so

Good positioning:

- Improves safety and visibility
- 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:

- **Turning left:** Keep to the left-hand lane
- **Going straight ahead:** Use the most suitable lane, usually the left, unless signs say otherwise
- **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:

1. Make best use of available road space
2. 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:

1. Check mirrors and blind spots
2. Signal clearly in good time
3. Move only when it’s safe

**Never:**

- Weave between lanes
- Straddle two lanes
- Change lanes at the last moment

Stay centred in your lane until it’s time to move.

## In Heavy or Slow-Moving Traffic

Avoid:

- Changing lanes unnecessarily
- Straddling lanes
- Blocking “Keep Clear” areas

Allow for:

- Pedestrians crossing
- Cyclists filtering on the left
- Large vehicles straddling lanes before turning
- Motorcyclists passing between lanes
- 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**:

- Turning left → keep left
- Going straight → stay left unless signs show otherwise
- Turning right → move right in good time

If there are **three lanes**:

- Turning left → use the left-hand lane
- Going straight → use the left or middle lane as indicated
- 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.

#### QUICK NAVIGATION

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