One-way streets and multi-lane roads

By the end of this topic you can

• You can read lane signs and road arrows early and choose the right lane.
• You can change lanes using mirrors, a blind-spot check and a signal.
• You can follow the keep-left rule on dual carriageways.
• You can position correctly to turn left or right in a one-way street.
• You can recognise bus, cycle and other restricted lanes and keep out of them when they apply.

What you need to know and understand

• Keep to the left unless signs or markings tell you otherwise, or you are overtaking or turning right.
• On a two-lane dual carriageway, stay in the left lane and use the right lane only to overtake or turn right.
• On a single carriageway with three lanes and no markings, the middle lane is only for overtaking or turning right, and oncoming drivers have the same right to it.
• In a one-way street, unless markings say otherwise, go left from the left lane and right from the right lane.
• Traffic may pass you on both sides in a one-way street.
• Before changing lanes, check mirrors and blind spot, make sure you will not make anyone change speed or course, then signal and move.
• You must not drive in a cycle lane marked with a solid white line during its hours of operation.

Choosing your lane early

Lane arrows painted on the road and signs on the approach tell you which lane leads where. Read them as early as you can. If you end up in the wrong lane, it is usually safer to carry on and find another route than to cut across at the last moment.

In a one-way street, if you are going straight on, choose the most suitable lane for the road ahead. In queues, do not keep hopping between lanes. It rarely saves time and causes danger.

Changing lanes safely

1. Check your interior mirror and the door mirror on the side you are moving to.
2. Take a quick sideways glance into your blind spot.
3. Make sure the move will not force anyone to slow down or steer.
4. Signal in good time.
5. Check again, then move over gradually, not in one sharp turn.
6. Cancel your signal once you are in the new lane.

Special lanes and one-way traps

• Bus lanes: do not drive in them during their hours of operation unless signs allow your vehicle.
• Cycle lanes with a solid white line: you must not drive or park in them during their hours.
• Cycle lanes with a broken white line: avoid driving or parking in them unless it cannot be avoided.
• Contraflow lanes: some one-way streets let buses or cycles travel the opposite way. Look both ways before turning or pulling out.
• Turning right in a one-way street: move to the right-hand lane and watch for traffic passing on your left.

Common mistakes

• Staying in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway after overtaking. Move back left when safe.
• Leaving lane choice too late and cutting across. Look for arrows early.
• Forgetting the blind-spot check before moving lanes. A car can sit just behind your door pillar.
• Turning right from the left lane of a one-way street. Use the right-hand lane unless markings say otherwise.
• Not looking for contraflow cyclists. Check both directions in one-way streets.

Test yourself: One-way streets and multi-lane roads

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• One-Way Streets in GB
• Lane Discipline in GB