DL - Driving lines

The basic driving lines are simple. When driving straight, drive as close to the right edge of the road as is safe to drive. If you are turning right, drive at the right side of the lane before turning. Turning left is done next to the center line or traffic island.


When there are multiple lanes on a road, you should drive in the right lane. The left lane is for overtaking and you can use it before turning left.



If the road has multiple lanes, after making a turn you should generally drive into the closest possible lane. If you exceptionally drive into a more distant lane after making a turn, make sure you can do so safely. The driver making the exceptional turn is obliged to give way.

  • (A) After turning left, drive into the left lane
  • (B) After turning right, drive into the right lane
  • (C) If necessary, you may exceptionally drive into the far lane after turning

    • Changing the lane

    The driver changing lanes is always obliged to give way. When changing lanes, first turn on your turn signal (indicator). Next, check the situation behind you in the rearview mirror. You can see in the side mirror whether you can change lanes. Before changing lanes, you must also make sure that no one is driving in the blind spot next to you. Turn your head and look in the blind spot through the rearview window. Avoid rushing when changing lanes and only change lanes in a safe place.

  • Turn signal
  • Check the situation in your mirrors
  • Check the blind spot
  • Drive gently to the lane with a calm steering movement

    • One-way

    A one-way street is indicated by a traffic sign. You should notice the one-way street signs as soon as you turn onto the road.



    When turning on a one-way road, you should drive right from the right lane and left from the left lane.





    Roundabout

    Try to drive as close to the right edge of the circle as possible. You are not allowed to drive over the center island. If the circle has multiple lanes, drive slowly enough to keep your vehicle in the same lane at all times. You cannot change lanes inside the roundabout if there are lane markings (painted arrows and/or lane markings above the road).





    Animation of a two-lane roundabout. When there are multiple lanes in a roundabout, choose the appropriate lane well in advance of entering the roundabout. Slow down well before the roundabout so you have time to look at the signs and keep your speed at a reasonable level in the roundabout.



    At the Suomenoja roundabout, you must choose your lane well in advance before entering the roundabout. Changing lanes in the roundabout is not permitted, as the roundabout is currently considered an intersection. Changing lanes in the intersection is prohibited if there are traffic signs at the intersection. Those approaching the roundabout have a duty to give way, but be prepared for the mistakes made by others by driving at a reasonably calm speed. Keep your speed to around 20 km/h so that you have time to see the road markings and signs.



    Here you can see the suitable driving lines. Notice how a new lane starts inside the circle for those driving from Olar.





    DL_FREE book is freely available for driving studies and includes linked videos. Copying the book and its parts is prohibited. The book is provided to driving school students by DL Oppimaterialit and SG-IAF.