Safe Positioning

Road Position

Adopting the correct position on the road is an important part of your driving plan.
The "Normal" road position is about 1 metre from the left kerb, and should be used on a clear road in normal driving. This position should also be used during left turns and if following the road ahead at crossroads and most roundabouts.
If turning right on a single carriageway (a normal two-way road), a "left of centre" position should be used.

The road position can be adapted when aproaching a bend. For left-hand bends, a move towards the middle of the road may give you a better view, but will leave you nearer to on-coming traffic. For a right-hand bend a position well to the left will give the best view ahead. When negotiating a right-hand bend, keep well to the left. Avoid letting the car drift near to the centre of the road and at no time let the car cross the middle of the road. If an obstruction forces you to cross the centre of the road on a bend, take extreme care, and make sure you can safely finish the manoeuvre before you start it!

In any situation where you have to pass obstructions you will need to change your position, and generally try to give the obstruction as much clearance as possible, without compromising safety or inconveniencing other road users.

Dual Carriageways

A Dual Carriageway is a road where the two opposing flows of traffic are separated by a physical barrier (the Central Reservation). Most Dual Carriageways are out of town and the National Speed Limit normally applies. However urban Dual Cariageways normally have the 30mph speed limit in place. In other words the speed limit may not change if you join a Dual Carriageway in built-up areas.

Traffic Lanes

Where the road is divided into lanes, you should position the car in the middle of the most appropriate lane. This would normally be the left lane. If the left lane is obstructed (say, by parked cars) , or you intend to turn right, then use the right lane. On a Dual Carriageway, you may use the right lane to follow ahead at some junctions,such as some roundabouts.

At junctions the road is sometimes divided into lanes, and the correct lane should be used for the direction you intend to go. This would normally be the left lane if turning left or following ahead, and the right lane for right turns. However, look carefully for signs and road markings as the layout may vary.

On Motorways always use the left lane when it is clear....do not "Hog" the middle lane (lane 2), although it is acceptable to remain in lane 2 if there is slower traffic in lane 1. It is not good practice to constantly change lane.
(The lanes are normally refered to by number, the left lane being "Lane 1".)

General Advice

On any multi-lane road (two or more lanes) Use the left lane where available. Consider the lane/lanes to the right to be Overtaking lanes.
If you are unsure where to position the car the following is a good general guide: KEEP LEFT UNLESS YOU ARE TURNING RIGHT.