Keeping left, changing lanes and the shoulder

Which side of the road must you drive on?

You must drive on the left side of the roadway on a public road. Where the roadway is wide enough, your vehicle must not encroach on (cross onto) the half to your right.

You may cross onto the right half in two cases:

• where you can do it without obstructing or endangering other traffic
• when you obey a direction of a traffic officer or a road traffic sign

Which roadway do you use on a divided road?

You use only the left hand roadway. This applies when a public road is divided into two or more roadways. You may use another roadway only when an appropriate road traffic sign or a traffic officer directs or permits it.

What must you do when another vehicle wants to pass you?

You must keep left and not speed up. This applies as soon as you become aware that traffic going your way wishes to pass.

• Drive as near to the left edge of the roadway as possible, without endangering yourself, other traffic or property.
• Do not accelerate (speed up) until the other vehicle has passed.

What must you do when you pass oncoming traffic?

Keep to your own side. Your vehicle must not encroach on the roadway to your right in a way that may obstruct or endanger the oncoming traffic.

How must you pass a stationary bus?

Pass it with due care (proper care). Watch for the safety of people who are approaching or leaving the bus, or who may do so. People often walk into the road near a stopped bus.

When may you drive on the shoulder of the road?

As a general rule, you may not drive a light motor vehicle on the shoulder (the strip along the edge) of a public road.

There is one exception. All of these must be true at the same time:

• It is between sunrise and sunset.
• The road is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction.
• Your vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle.
• You can do it without endangering yourself, other traffic, pedestrians or property on the road.
• People and vehicles on the road can be clearly seen at a distance of at least 150 metres.

When may you change lanes?

Only when you can do it without obstructing or endangering other traffic. This applies on a public road divided into traffic lanes by road markings.

Numbers to remember

• 150 metres: how far away people and vehicles must be clearly seen before you may drive on the shoulder

Mistakes learners make

• Thinking you may move onto the shoulder at night to let someone pass. It is allowed only between sunrise and sunset.
• Thinking one condition is enough for driving on the shoulder. All five must be true together.
• Speeding up while another vehicle is passing you. You must not accelerate until it has passed.

Test yourself

1. Question 1

   You are driving on a public road that is divided into two roadways. No road traffic sign or traffic officer directs otherwise. On which roadway must you drive?

   • A The left hand roadway
   • B The right hand roadway
   • C Either roadway, provided it is clear of traffic
   Show answer

   Answer: A: The left hand roadway

   On a public road divided into two or more roadways, you must drive on the left hand roadway.

2. Question 2

   On which side of the roadway must a person driving a vehicle on a public road drive?

   • A The right side
   • B The centre of the roadway
   • C The left side
   Show answer

   Answer: C: The left side

   Any person who drives a vehicle on a public road must drive on the left side of the roadway.

3. Question 3

   You become aware that a vehicle travelling in the same direction wishes to pass your vehicle. Where on the roadway are you required to drive?

   • A In the centre of the roadway
   • B As near to the left edge as possible without endangering anyone
   • C On the half of the roadway to your right
   Show answer

   Answer: B: As near to the left edge as possible without endangering anyone

   When someone wants to pass you, drive as near to the left edge of the roadway as you safely can.

4. Question 4

   Which ONE of the following is NOT required of a driver who becomes aware that traffic proceeding in the same direction wishes to pass?

   • A To stop the vehicle on the roadway immediately
   • B To drive as near to the left edge as is possible
   • C Not to accelerate until the other vehicle has passed
   Show answer

   Answer: A: To stop the vehicle on the roadway immediately

   When a vehicle wants to pass you, you must not speed up until it has passed; you need not stop.

5. Question 5

   What is the general rule regarding the driving of a light motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road?

   • A It is permitted whenever the road is busy
   • B It is prohibited
   • C It is permitted at any time
   Show answer

   Answer: B: It is prohibited

   As a general rule, you may not drive a car on the shoulder of a public road.

6. Question 6

   During which period may a light motor vehicle be driven on the shoulder of a public road, provided the other requirements are met?

   • A Between sunset and sunrise
   • B At any time of the day or night
   • C Between sunrise and sunset
   Show answer

   Answer: C: Between sunrise and sunset

   You may drive on the shoulder only between sunrise and sunset, which means in daylight.