Road Positioning and Lane Discipline

Where you position your car on the road is dictated by the road and traffic conditions you are experiencing. On your driving test you will need to keep a safe position at all times.

In normal circumstances you should position your car in the centre of your half of the road - see image right. You should avoid driving too close to the kerb, as the road surface here is more uneven. If you accidentally clip the kerb you may lose control of the car. However, you may need to move closer to the kerb to: make space for oncoming traffic through a narrow gap let another vehicle overtake you let a motorcycle pass in congested traffic increase your vision and safety when approaching a right-hand bend You will need to move to the right of your lane when: making a right-hand turn the pavement is busy with pedestrians when overtaking a cycle or other road user.

When passing a row of parked cars don't weave in and out between them. You should maintain a steady, straight course.

When changing lanes or road position you must:

• use the MSM/PSL routine
• plan ahead and make sure you move into the correct lane in good time
• use signals if necessary

One-Way Roads

• When turing left, keep to the left-hand lane
• When turning right, keep to the right-hand lane
• When going straight ahead let the road markings guide you. If there are no lane markings then you will usually need to select the left-hand lane.

Lane Discipline

When changing lanes:

• look well ahead and try to anticipate early your need to change lanes
• use the MSM/PSL routine
• signal in good time
• when safe to do so move into the lane

You must never:

• weave from lane to lane
• straddle two lanes
• change lanes suddenly

Lane markings inform and guide traffic. When approaching a junction you should look out for relevant road markings and respond to them as needed.

For a full picture list of road lane markings.

Road Position When Stationary

When stationary, such as when stuck in a traffic jam, use the 'Tyres and Tarmac' rule:

Always stop far enough behind the vehicle in front that you can see their tyres touching the the road and 1 metre of tarmac.

This space leaves room for you to comfortably pull out and pass should the vehicle in front break down. It also leaves you room to move out of the way if an emergency vehicle needs to pass.

Other rules you must observe:

• Never stop so that you block access to a side road or business entrance.
  
  
• If you stop alongside a parked car, allow room for the driver to open their door.
  
  
• When in a traffic jam, never stop on a pedestrian crossing.
  
  
• When you park, never block access to driveways or side roads.
  
  
• Do not park opposite bus stops unless there is plenty of room for vehicles to pass between you and a bus waiting at the stop.
  
  
• Never park too close to a vehicle displaying a disabled badge - the occupants may need room to put a wheelchair in the boot.