When you find yourself in the wrong lane....

If you ever find yourself in the wrong lane try not to panic but try to think of a safe solution.

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[Kefford]

The ones that always get me are surprise left-only lanes!
Especially when the only signage is painted on the floor so you only see it when you get to the front and it’s too late.

[joshk]

It's insane how many people would rather risk causing an accident than arriving 5 minutes later

[Angus]

So glad to hear a learner who already understands that roundabouts can be used to safely fix the problem of being in the wrong lane. So many full license holders don't even think about doing this, and cut across multiple lanes dangerously instead.

[VoxelLoop]

Very good advise, if you can't get into the correct lane then just go where the lane is taking you and find somewhere to turn around. Sometimes this is annoying if for example it brings you onto a dual carridgeway and you have a few miles before the next exit, but it's the safer option for sure. (I did that recently when I was in the wrong lane of a 3 lane roundabout)

[owen_]

This is also a cheeky way to skip a long queue of traffic in the left lane for turning left at roundabouts!

[TheRedGoldfish]

Something my Dad advised me on, "It's better to go the wrong way correctly than force yourself to go the right way incorrectly, and sometimes dangerously"

[matthewgibbons]

that roundabout looks confusing enough for an experienced driver let alone an inexperienced one

[castheguitarginger]

I just wanted to say that I would have loved to have you as my driving instructor. You’re very good at giving explanations and constructive criticism. Most importantly, I noticed in other videos you back your pupils when others are at fault. Most learner drivers are insecure (and some experienced drivers still are) and it is really valuable to have someone like you to build that confidence. Especially as confident drivers are better drivers (although there is a fine line between confident and overconfident)

[guinnog]

You're a wonderful instructor. Calm, thoughtful and knowledgeable. I love the balance of clear instructions and encouragement. I wish I had had you in 1982 when I passed my car test, or 1985 when I got my bike test. Keep up the good work!

[skoodledoo]

I love your videos Ashley, thank you. I'm an instructor (although on trains, not cars - same but without dual controls), different vehicles but the actual instructing is the similar. I love the way you explain situations and try to give the learner a sense of the greater situation, rather than just focusing on what they are doing themselves. The "what if this happened, what would you do?" or the "if they had come in to this lane, where would we be and what would you do?" scenarios really help to cement the idea in to their minds that they're not the only person on the road and that they are the only ones responsible for their own safety on the road, so it's up to them to keep it that way. It's similar to what we do and it's great to see someone like yourself helping the drivers of tomorrow to be safe and alert.

[raymondbenjamins]

Last week, I was already with my front at the exit of the roundabout when I realised I needed to take it. Instead of suddenly mashing the brakes, I just went around and got off the second time around. It probably only took me 5 seconds longer anyway, so there's no reason at all to create a dangerous situation.

Same with being in the wrong lane. Just accept it and follow the lane until it's safe to correct it.

[JosephWintersMusic]

On my driving test I had a similar scenario, I was unintentionally in the wrong lane and missed my turning as a result. The examiner just said "Okay, not to worry. Just take the next turning on the right and come round again". So was all fine and I passed

[Studidit]

Lovely lesson Ashley. Great example of keeping calm and planning your way out of a potential problem. When the pupil is ready, in this situation I ask them to look for a strong visual reference in the exit they need to take so they recognise it on the way around the roundabout. Helps them orientate themselves and plan for exiting.

[peterz]

So any lane problem is fixable...?
Sees guy cut across 4 lanes to get to the motorway exit.
Yeah, about that...

[andrewnorris]

Good general principle. Avoid trying to turn off if unsure or it is unsafe. Can always turn around in a side street or next roundabout. Especially true on motorway branches or exits. Last-minute decisions to get off can be a danger. Also, be especially aware if you are running late, and make a point not to take extra risks because of it. Being late increases danger unless you are conscious of this. Plan ahead to avoid being late too.

[GeorgeThoughts]

You seem like a great instructor, Ashley! Perfectly paced and informative delivery with enough actual teaching too by letting the pupil figure out the answer instead of just dictating to her. My instructor was like this and I always remember him saying that if you find you're in the wrong lane you usually just have to take the lane you've committed too instead of suddenly switching to the one you wanted, because that could be dangerous, and once you turn safely into the road your lane took you down you can look for a way to change course.
I've actually had this happen on a complicated roundabout in Manchester where I wanted to go straight but found I'd accidentally committed to the left exit which was the motorway sliproad!! So I was forced to drive 15 minutes on the motorway well away from my destination until the next exit to take the backroads back the way I came hahaha! I've never made that mistake on that roundabout since though and it's a local one.

[TimpBizkit]

I find the problem is on busy roads when the directional arrows get buried under cars. Some places need signs with the lanes on them not just painted on the road.

[RavesAnt]

Great learning point - going around a roundabout barely costs you any time, helps the flow and saves effort.

[carl]

Done this a few times. Once had to go round twice lost my sense of direction and still took wrong exit. Went to next roundabout came back. The Mercedes asked if want directions to a coffee shop for a break.

[Jonc]

Some Private Hire drivers are still up to their closing space tricks at 5:27.