In this situation can the driver, make a left turn

Explanation

Yes, provided you do not obstruct the lorry driver.

Separate two matters in this question: "is this manoeuvre permitted?" and "do I have priority?". The triangular sign on the right is the give-way sign, and the supplementary plate beneath it shows the direction of the priority road; this combination prohibits no manoeuvre, it merely establishes who goes first. So a left turn at this junction is permitted, but conditionally.

The condition is the lorry that is approaching you head-on in the picture. To turn left you must pass in front of it and cut across its path, so you must let it through first. "Giving way" has a precise definition: do not begin or continue a manoeuvre that would force a driver who has priority to change speed or direction suddenly. That is, the criterion is not merely avoiding a collision; if the lorry has to brake because of you, you have committed an offence.

Safety logic: a loaded lorry has a far longer braking distance than a car, and in this very scene a small turning car is seen later from behind a high steering position. That is why the burden of decision is placed on the driver performing the extra manoeuvre.

Exam point: the give-way sign is not a prohibition; confusing these two is the main source of error in this class of question.

• "Yes" without qualification removes the essential condition; a left turn is permitted, but only after the lorry has passed, not whenever you like. • "No" confuses the give-way sign with a prohibitory sign; this sign changes the order of passage, it does not prohibit the manoeuvre.

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