Avoid getting in Wrong Lane | DTC UK | Driving Test UK

In the very beginning of the driving test, examiner will ask you to follow the road ahead unless road signs and road markings indicate otherwise or unless he was she ask you to do so.
Our normal driving position is on the left. Therefore, we would usually take the left hand lane for following the road ahead.

However, occasionally the left-hand lane is marked for left turn only. It may seem obvious, but you need to bear in mind that the road markings are on the road itself. Therefore, it is vital that you keep a distance from the driver in front. This will allow you to see the markings on the road.

If you were to drive a bumper-to-bumper it’s going to be impossible to see the road markings. The road markings are usually enforced by a road sign indicating that the left lane is for left turn only.

Let’s assume for a moment, that due to test nerves, you did not see the board indicating that the left-hand lane is the left turn only. Also, let us assume that you did not even see the left arrow on the road. Furthermore, let's assumes that you did not notice that traffic lights are marking turn left only.

So, you have got in the wrong lane. No point in panicking as you are already in the wrong lane. If you went straight on in that particular lane, the driving examiner will have no choice but to fail you.

In fact, it’s a driving offence to go straight on in a lane that is marked left turn only. You could end up with getting three penalty points when your driving licence.

However, if you check your mirrors, signalled left and then turned left, the examiner will not fail you. It will not even get a minor fault for it. The examiner may take you all the way around and bring you back the same spot, therefore, extending the time of your driving test by a few minutes. Nevertheless, it is not a fail.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. So, watch out for the road signs and the road markings. Good Luck with your driving test.

If you're learning to drive then make sure that you get professional help from a fully qualified driving instructor. This video is NOT an alternative to professional driving lessons and is only a rough guide. This video was filmed in the UK. You are responsible for driving safely and legally. While DTC Driving Test Services aims to provide accurate and up to date information, we cannot guarantee at any time that all the information is up to date and accurate. The makers of this video cannot accept liability for misleading or inaccurate information or omissions in information given to us by external information providers. This includes, but is not by way of limitation:
■ any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
■ any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information.
■ any decision made or action taken or not taken in reliance upon the information.

[ZubairAli-tgug]

Hi Shak
Your videos helped me a lot in passing .i passed my exam last week first attempt .
I made the same mistake on a three lane entry roundabout .i went into left hand lane .i kept going and examiner told me do what’s safe .he brought me back to the same place .but the thing is he gave me a minor for that .i still passed .just wanted to share my experience
Even though I passed I still watch all your videos keep up the good work

[fatlazypanda]

Thank you for all your videos. You are a god send !!!!

[DEEDUBZ]

if you can post up videos with the new style test (even if it's mock tests) that would be much appreciated

[farjanaparveen]

can you make a video bey parking reverse&forward, please sir.

[Rajputist]

Hello Shak! I have my test in isleworth test centre.According to new rules how they gonna do forward bay parking as they never have bay parking in their test centre...any comments on that? Cheers!

[shereenclement]

It's frustrating me now I can't seem to pass

[sultanarafiq]

I need this video I have test after 1 week please pray for me.

[havalosman]

You need to bit drive to show it not just talk