In which of the following cases can a bus driver take the middle lane on a three-lane two-way road that is used for traffic in both directions?

Explanation

For both of these purposes.

On the three-lane two-way road shown in the picture, the middle lane is a shared lane: both directions may use it under defined conditions, and the extreme left lane belongs solely to the opposing flow. Permitted use of the middle lane falls into two classes: first, overtaking or going round an obstacle, and second, preparing for a left turn or a U-turn. A bus driver is no exception to this rule and both uses are open to him.

The safety reason for limiting use to these two cases is that the middle lane may at any moment be occupied by the opposing flow as well. That is, this lane is not a place to stay in but a place for a short, purposeful passage. That is why the law has tied the right to be in it to a specific manoeuvre and has closed the left lane entirely.

Worth memorising: on a three-lane two-way road, the left lane is prohibited and the middle lane is conditional. For a bus or lorry driver, too, before entering the middle lane you must have sufficient sight distance, because the vehicle's great length means more time is needed to return to the right-hand lane.

Trap: the single-purpose options look right because each of them really is permitted; but the complete answer brings both together.

• Overtaking and going round an obstacle really are permitted, but this option removes half of the middle lane's permitted uses. • A left turn and a U-turn are permitted too, but this option ignores the use of the middle lane for overtaking. • "There are no correct answers" would be right if the middle lane were entirely prohibited to a bus; no such prohibition exists.

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