Where to correctly position your car at junctions depending on your intended direction of travel.
Turning left at a junction
Positioning your car to the left not only shows your intention but also makes steering into the road much easier.
Going ahead at crossroads
Staying in the centre of your lane when going ahead makes your intentions clear to other road users.
Turning right at a junction
Positioning yourself close to the centre line shows your intentions and may allow cars turning left to proceed even if you cannot.
Correct lane position for normal travel along a road.
Too close to the kerb
Risks you hitting the kerb and damaging tyre or wheels. Possibility of mounting the pavement. Will make the ride uncomfortable every time you go over a drain cover. more chance of picking up punctures. It may also give others the impression you are pulling in.
Correct position Centre of your lane
The perfect position in the road for normal driving.
Too close to the centre line
Puts you at risk, especially if an oncoming vehicle is also close to the centre line. May give other road users the impression you are going to turn right.
Turning right into a junction
Incorrect path to take
Cutting corners can be extremely dangerous with the potential of being crashed into, or you crashing into someone else.
Correct turning point/ stopping point for oncoming traffic
Good positioning makes for a better approach speed because you have a planned place to potentially stop at. Gives you time to look into the junction before committing. Allows other road users to understand your intentions. And by moving near to the centre line, if the road is wide enough, will allow following vehicles that may be continuing on to get past you without you blocking the road.
Single Lane Roundabouts
Turning left
Keep to the left of your lane on the approach, and to the outside of the roundabout as you drive it.
Going ahead
On a single lane approach, stay in the centre of your lane on the approach and throughout the path on the roundabout.
Turning right
Move close to the centre line of your lane on the approach and "hug" the roundabout until your exit lane.
Dual Approach Default Roundabouts
Turning left
Same approach for a single lane roundabout
Going ahead
Same approach for a single lane roundabout, but may change slightly if both approach lanes are permitted to follow the road ahead. If this is the case, those approaching in the left lane stay on the outside of the roundabout and exit in the left lane. Those using the right approach lane "hug" the roundabout and exit in the right lane.
Going ahead incorrect path
This is known as "STRAIGHT LINING" although safe to do when there are no other vehicles around. It IS NOT accepted during a driving test and could possibly lead to a failure depending on the circumstances at the time.
Turning right
Either option as shown is acceptable, but the lane you choose to exit in must only be used having carried out effective observations. If you exit in the right lane and are not intending turning right into another road once you have exited the roundabout, you MUST move back to the left "normal driving lane" at the earliest and safest opportunity.
When overtaking is permitted PLEASE REMEMBER! Overtaking is possibly the most dangerous manoeuvre to carry out whilst driving. If it is not essential then avoid it.
