Traffic lanes

⏱️ 2 min read

When white lines divide the carriageway into lanes, each lane has its rules. On a moped, you are small and less visible than a car: choosing your lane well and changing lanes properly is vital — and it comes up in the exam.

✨ Key takeaways

Outside built-up areas: right-hand lane — the left is for overtaking.
Changing lanes = manoeuvre: mirrors, blind spot, indicator — and you give way.
Arrowed lane = compulsory direction: get in position in good time.
The bus lane is prohibited, except where allowed or for a brief move to turn right.

The basic rule: your lane is the right-hand one

When the carriageway is divided into traffic lanes by white lines, you choose your lane and stay in it. Outside built-up areas, you drive in the right-hand lane; the lanes on the left are only for overtaking. Without marked lanes, the rule is the same as elsewhere: as close as possible to the right-hand edge.

Changing lanes = a manoeuvre

Changing lanes is never trivial: it is a manoeuvre, and whoever manoeuvres must give way to those following their lane normally. Before moving over: mirrors, a glance over your shoulder for the blind spot (your moped mirrors are small!), then indicator in good time.

Check your mirrors.
Turn your head: the blind spot can easily hide an entire car.
Switch on your indicator, then change lanes without getting in anyone's way.

Arrows on the road: selection lanes

As you approach a junction, white arrows on the road turn the lanes into selection lanes: each lane imposes a direction. Get into the lane for your direction in good time — once you are in an arrowed lane, you are in principle required to follow the direction shown.

The bus lane: not for you

The lane marked "BUS" on the road is reserved for public transport. On a moped, you do not use it, except in specific cases: moving into it just before a junction to turn right (over the shortest possible distance), crossing it, or when signage expressly allows you to.

You want to change lanes. Who has priority?