Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumLane Discipline and Positioning

You are driving along a single carriageway road divided into three lanes with traffic travelling in both directions. Under what circumstances are you permitted to use the centre lane?

  1. A
    Whenever you want to cruise at the maximum speed limit without being delayed by slower nearside traffic
  2. Only when overtaking slower vehicles or preparing to turn right, provided the lane is clear of oncoming trafficAnswer
  3. C
    Whenever you need to undertake a large goods vehicle that has moved right to prepare for a turn
  4. D
    Only when squeezing past cyclists when oncoming vehicles are occupying the far right lane

Answer

Only when overtaking slower vehicles or preparing to turn right, provided the lane is clear of oncoming traffic
According to Highway Code Rule 135, on a three-lane road carrying two-way traffic, the centre lane is shared and must only be used for overtaking or turning right when you can clearly see that it is not being used by oncoming vehicles. You must keep to the left-hand lane for normal driving.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the road layout and lane configuration described in the scenario
The road is a three-lane single carriageway carrying two-way traffic, where the middle lane is shared between opposing flows.
Specific Highway Code rules govern shared middle lanes compared to standard dual carriageways or one-way roads.
2
Apply Highway Code Rule 135 regarding three-lane two-way single carriageways
The centre lane may only be entered to overtake or turn right when clear of oncoming traffic, while normal driving must remain in the left-hand lane.
Cruising continuously in the centre lane or entering it when oncoming traffic is present creates extreme head-on collision risks.

Key Concept

Centre lane allocation and discipline on three-lane two-way roads
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Lane Discipline and Positioning

More questions from this topic