In which direction can the driver continue driving in this situation?

Explanation

To the left and also a U-turn.

The main light is red, but the additional section is lit with a green arrow pointing left, and that permits you to turn left. The main point of the question is elsewhere: the overhead "direction of travel by lane" sign and the arrows on the carriageway show, for your lane, a left turn and a U-turn. An important rule to memorise is that when the markings or a sign permit a left turn from the leftmost lane, a U-turn from that same lane is permitted as well, unless it is expressly prohibited.

So in this situation you have two choices: a left turn or a U-turn. Straight-ahead movement and a right turn are closed by the main red light.

The safety reason for this pairing is clear: both manoeuvres start from the same lane, both cut across the oncoming flow, and both must be performed in the light's protected phase. That is why the legislator has treated them as a single package.

The exam trap is the option "only left"; a driver who does not know the rule pairing the U-turn with the left turn picks it immediately. Remember that moving on the arrow of an additional section brings no priority and that you must give way to the flows coming on the main green.

• "Only left" is correct but incomplete: the marking and sign that permit a left turn from this lane permit a U-turn as well, unless expressly prohibited. • "Wait for the permitting signal" ignores the green arrow of the additional section; that arrow is itself the permitting signal for a left turn.

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