UK Driving Theory Practice Exam

On the motorway, which lanes can trailers being towed legally use?

1. Only the right-hand lane

2. Any lane

3. Lanes 1 and 2; not the right-hand lane unless lane closures

4. Only the left-hand lane

The correct answer is: Lanes 1 and 2; not the right-hand lane unless lane closures

Trailers being towed are legally allowed to use lanes 1 and 2 on the motorway, but cannot use the right-hand lane except in specific circumstances, such as when lane closures necessitate it. This regulation is in place primarily for safety reasons, as vehicles with trailers generally have a larger turning radius and longer braking distances, making them less maneuverable in traffic. By restricting their access to the right-hand lane, which is typically reserved for faster-moving traffic and overtaking, the risk of accidents and congestion is minimized. Using the left-hand lane for trailers allows for smoother traffic flow since it is primarily intended for slower-moving vehicles. If there are lane closures or obstructions within the motorway, trailers are permitted to access the right-hand lane temporarily but should always return to the left as soon as it's safe to do so, keeping the flow of traffic consistent. This rule helps maintain safety standards and efficient traffic management on motorways where higher speeds and heavier traffic are typically present.