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Question

Difficulty: MediumLane Discipline

You are driving along a four-lane motorway with light, free-flowing traffic. Unless overhead signs or road markings indicate otherwise, which lane should you normally travel in when you are not overtaking?

  1. A
    Any lane, provided your vehicle does not exceed the maximum speed limit
  2. The leftmost lane of the carriagewayAnswer
  3. C
    The second lane from the left, to leave the first lane clear for joining traffic
  4. D
    The third lane from the left, to maintain clear forward vision past large goods vehicles

Answer

The leftmost lane of the carriageway should be used for normal driving when not overtaking.
On all UK motorways regardless of the number of lanes, drivers must always drive in the leftmost lane whenever it is clear. Outer lanes are solely for overtaking slower-moving vehicles or following specific directional signs; once overtaking is complete, drivers must return to the left.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the standard driving rule for multi-lane carriageways and motorways under free-flowing conditions.
Highway Code Rule 264 requires drivers to keep to the left unless overtaking.
The leftmost lane is the default running lane for all vehicles regardless of how many lanes are available.
2
Evaluate the current road context described in the scenario.
Traffic is light and free-flowing with no active lane closures or overtakes taking place.
When no vehicles are being overtaken and no mandatory signs indicate otherwise, remaining in any lane other than the leftmost lane violates lane discipline.
3
Select the option that aligns with the fundamental keep-left principle.
The leftmost lane of the carriageway is the correct lane to use.
All other lanes (lanes 2, 3, and 4) are strictly designated as overtaking lanes.

Key Concept

Keep-left motorway lane discipline principle (Highway Code Rule 264)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Lane Discipline

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