You are driving a car in Lane 3 on a four-lane motorway at 70 mph, having just completed overtaking two slower vehicles in Lane 2. Both Lane 1 and Lane 2 are now clear ahead for a long distance. What is the correct lane discipline to follow?
- AMove into Lane 2 and remain there, keeping Lane 1 clear for slower goods vehicles and joining traffic.
- Move safely into Lane 2, check that conditions remain clear, and then transition across into Lane 1.Answer
- CPerform a single continuous manoeuvre directly from Lane 3 to Lane 1 without pausing in Lane 2.
- DRemain in Lane 3 because you are travelling at the maximum legal speed limit of 70 mph.
Answer
Move safely into Lane 2, check that conditions remain clear, and then transition across into Lane 1.
Under Highway Code Rule 264, you should always drive in the leftmost lane (Lane 1) whenever the road ahead is clear. Outer lanes (Lanes 2, 3, and 4) are designated solely for overtaking. Once you finish overtaking, you must return progressively to Lane 1, completing observations and lane changes one lane at a time.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Highway Code Rule 264: Always keep to the left-hand lane unless actively overtaking, returning sequentially one lane at a time.
Estimated Time:1m 15s