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One-Way Streets in GB: Lane Choice and Contraflow Lanes

One-Way Streets in GB: Lane Choice and Contraflow Lanes. A narrow cobbled London street with Georgian brick houses and parked cars

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Photo: Thomas Evraert / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

In Great Britain, Highway Code Rule 143 says traffic on a one-way street must travel in the direction the signs show. You pick your lane early: normally the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right, and the most suitable lane to go straight ahead, unless signs or markings say otherwise. This guide is for learners in England, Scotland and Wales who want to get one-way streets right in lessons and on test.

Key facts

  • Travelling in the signed direction is a legal requirement (a “MUST” rule in the Highway Code).
  • Buses, cycles or both may have a contraflow lane coming towards you.
  • Traffic can pass you on both sides, so check both mirrors and blind spots.
  • Choose your exit lane as soon as you can and do not change lanes suddenly.

Which lane should you use on a one-way street?

Where you are going Default lane (Rule 143) What overrides it
Turning left Left-hand lane Lane arrows or signs showing a different lane
Turning right Right-hand lane Lane arrows or signs showing a different lane
Straight ahead The most appropriate lane Arrows that send your lane left or right only
Top-down view of a three lane one-way street meeting a cross street. The left lane turns left, the middle lane goes ahead and the right lane turns right, with a contraflow cycle lane on the right carrying a cyclist towards the driver.
Default lane choice on a one-way street, with a contraflow lane. Illustrative diagram, not to scale.

“Most appropriate” for straight ahead usually means the lane that keeps you clear of turning traffic and parked cars, and lines you up for where you go next. Rule 134 adds that you should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed, and avoid unnecessary lane changes in queues.

How to drive a one-way street, step by step

  1. Spot the signs early. A blue sign with a white arrow tells you the street is one-way. A red “no entry” sign at the far end means you must not drive in from that side.
  2. Read the lane arrows. Look well ahead for arrows painted in each lane and for overhead or roadside lane signs.
  3. Plan your exit. Decide which lane you need for your turn or for going ahead before you are close to the junction.
  4. Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre. Rule 133: use your mirrors and, if needed, a quick sideways glance, so you do not force anyone to change speed or course. Signal when it is safe, then move over.
  5. Check the other side too. On a one-way street, traffic may pass you on the left as well as the right.
  6. Look for contraflow lanes before you turn across them (see below).

What is a contraflow lane?

A contraflow lane lets buses, cycles or both travel against the main flow of a one-way street. Rule 143 warns that these lanes may exist, so a cyclist or bus coming towards you can be perfectly legal.

  • Turning across one: look for oncoming cyclists or buses in the lane before you turn. Rule 140 says you should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane and not cut across them when turning.
  • Do not drive or park in it. Rule 140 says you must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation.
  • Cycle tracks can be two-way. Rule 140 notes cycle tracks may be used by cyclists travelling in both directions, so look both ways before crossing one.

For more on these lanes, see bus lanes and cycle lanes.

Scenario: you are in the wrong lane

You want to go straight ahead, but the arrow in your lane now points left and the lane to your right is full.

  • Do: follow the arrow and turn left safely, then find a safe place to turn round or re-route.
  • Do not: stop in the lane, swerve across, or force your way in. Rule 143 says do not change lanes suddenly.

On the driving test, a missed exit is not a fault in itself. Forcing a late lane change that makes others brake can be. See how driving test faults are marked.

Common mistakes on one-way streets

  • Checking only the right mirror because “everything comes from one direction”.
  • Drifting between lanes instead of committing to one.
  • Turning right from the left lane because that is what you would do on a two-way road.
  • Missing a contraflow cycle lane when turning into a side road.
  • Parking on the right-hand side and then pulling out without checking traffic passing on your left.

Test yourself (unofficial practice)

These are original practice questions written by Get Driving Test Ready, not official DVSA questions.

1. On a one-way street with no lane markings, you want to turn right at the next junction. Which lane should you use?

  1. The left-hand lane
  2. The right-hand lane (correct)
  3. Whichever lane is moving faster
  4. The middle of the road, across both lanes

Explanation: Rule 143 says use the right-hand lane when going right, unless signs or markings say otherwise.

2. Why should you check both mirrors before changing lanes on a one-way street?

  1. Because the law requires two signals
  2. Because buses always overtake on the left
  3. Because traffic could be passing on both sides (correct)
  4. Because one-way streets have no speed limit

Explanation: Rule 143 reminds drivers that traffic could be passing on both sides.

3. A cyclist is riding towards you in a marked lane on a one-way street. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. The cyclist is breaking the law
  2. It is a contraflow cycle lane (correct)
  3. The one-way order has ended
  4. Cyclists may ignore all one-way signs

Explanation: Rule 143 says buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane.

4. Lane arrows show your lane must turn left, but you wanted to go ahead and cannot move over safely. What should you do?

  1. Stop and wait for a gap on the right
  2. Ignore the arrows and go ahead
  3. Move across quickly using a signal
  4. Turn left and re-route when safe (correct)

Explanation: Rules 134 and 143 say follow the lane markings and do not change lanes suddenly.

Common questions

Can I park on the right-hand side of a one-way street?

Usually yes, where yellow lines and signs allow, because you are still facing the direction of traffic. Rule 248 only bans parking on a road at night facing against the traffic flow, unless you are in a recognised parking space. When pulling away from the right-hand side, remember traffic can pass on your left. See where not to park.

Do I signal when changing lanes on a one-way street?

Yes, when it would help or warn other road users. Rule 133 says signal when it is safe, then move over when clear.

Is going the wrong way down a one-way street an offence?

Yes. Rule 143 is a “MUST” rule, which in the Highway Code means it is a legal requirement.

What lane do I use to go straight ahead?

The most appropriate one, unless markings tell you otherwise. Usually that is the lane that keeps you clear of turning traffic and suits your next move.

Will my driving test route include one-way streets?

It may. Test routes use a range of roads, and one-way systems are common in towns. Practise them with your instructor and in a mock test.

Related guides

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

  • GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)”, Rules 133, 134, 140 and 143 (gov.uk)
  • GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Waiting and parking (238 to 252)”, Rule 248 (gov.uk)
  • GOV.UK, “Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)

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