Where should you drive?

There are no lanes

You must drive as far to the right as possible on the carriageway.

The general rule is that you must drive on the right-hand side of the carriageway.

If there are no lanes, as in this example, you must drive as far to the right on the carriageway as possible.

There is only one lane in each direction

If there is only one lane in your direction of travel, you should normally drive in the right-hand lane.

In certain situations, for example when overtaking, you may briefly use the left-hand lane.

There are several lanes in each direction

General rule

If there are several lanes in your direction, you drive in the right-hand lane.

Even when there are several lanes in your direction of travel, you should normally drive in the right-hand lane.

Exception 1: in a built-up area

In a built-up area, you may choose the lane that best matches your destination.

If there is more than one lane in your direction of travel and you are driving in a built-up area, you may choose which lane to use. You are therefore not required to keep to the right and may stay in the left-hand lane if you intend to turn further ahead.

Exception 2: indication signs

When you see these signs, you do not have to drive all the way on the right.

When you see these information signs, choose the lane that matches your destination. You are then not required to drive in the right-hand lane.

When you see this sign, choose the lane for your destination.

If you see this information sign, you should also choose the lane that matches your destination. In this case too, you are not required to drive in the right-hand lane.

Where must you never drive?

What is a traffic island?

A traffic island is used to guide or channel traffic in the correct direction. It may consist of a raised area on the carriageway, road markings, or a combination of both. You must not drive over it.

What is a hatched area?

A hatched area is always a road marking that you must not drive over. You will usually find one at the end of a lane that is ending, where drivers are guided into the adjacent lane.

The difference between a traffic island and a hatched area is small. Just remember that you must not drive, stop or park on hatched areas.

What is a wrong-way driver?

If there are several carriageways, you must drive on the one furthest to the right in your direction.

You must never simply drive on the left-hand side of the road, as this means driving the wrong way. This sometimes happens on motorways, for example when a driver becomes confused.

Do you encounter a wrong-way driver?

Slow down and keep as far to the right as possible. The wrong-way driver is most likely to stay on their right-hand side, which is your left.
Contact the police immediately.

Have you driven the wrong way yourself?

Slow down, switch on your dipped headlights and hazard warning lights.
If possible, try to reach the breakdown lane.
Contact the police immediately and wait there for assistance.

Road signs

You must know the type and meaning of each road sign, understand who it applies to and which part of the carriageway it applies to. You do not, of course, need to know the sign number.