You should normally keep to the left when driving in Great Britain.
However, keep clear of parked vehicles, so that you can respond safely to
Don’t
When necessary, ease over to the left to let a faster vehicle overtake.
You should always be in the correct position for the route you’re going to take.
Your position is important not only for safety, but also to allow the free flow of traffic. A badly positioned vehicle can hold up traffic in either direction.
In one-way streets, all traffic flows in one direction. Position your vehicle according to whether you intend to go ahead, turn left, or turn right.
Before turning right, position your vehicle just to the left of the centre of the road.
Follow the road markings, get into the correct lane as soon as possible and stay in this lane. Watch for drivers making sudden lane changes without using the Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM) routine. Sometimes their positioning or hesitant driving is a clue that they’re unsure of their route and may make a sudden decision to change lane.
Traffic in one-way streets often flows freely. Be aware that vehicles may pass on either side of you.
You should always follow lane markings, which are there for two reasons.
If you find you’re in the wrong lane, don’t try to change by cutting across other drivers. Carry on in your lane and find another way back to your route.
Select the lane you need as soon as it’s safe to do so. Always check your mirrors and, if necessary, take a quick sideways glance to be sure that you won’t cause another road user to change course or speed. When it’s safe to do so, signal in good time and, when clear, move out.
Don’t
Allow for
Keep to the left-hand lane wherever possible. Don’t use the right-hand lane just because you’re travelling at speed.
On a carriageway with four or more lanes, peak-time ‘tidal flow’ systems might permit or forbid the use of some lanes on the right, depending on the time of day. Only use the lanes on the right when signs or markings allow you to do so.
These are separate lanes shown by signs and road markings. Don’t enter these lanes unless permitted by the signs.
You’ll find more information on lane discipline in section 11, which covers driving on motorways.
Look well ahead for signs and markings.
If you have two lanes in your direction and
Don’t try to gain an advantage by using an incorrect lane. Trying to change back to the proper lane at or near the junction can be dangerous.
If you have three lanes in your direction and you intend to
Some junctions also have a slip road.
Get into the left-hand lane in good time before entering the slip road. You’ll be able to slow down to turn left without holding up other traffic.