Position on the straight?

Ninjavampire

From what I understand, for the driving test, the correct position on the road when driving normally is to the left, closer to the yellow line than the middle. Is there any reason that this is the case?

I ask this because I feel it is more natural to stick close to the white line, where I can better judge my own position relative to other cars. I have also asked family members who would be very seasoned drivers and they all say it is much better to stay close to the white line, as you are less likely to hit a pedestrian and have more room to escape in an emergency.

neonsofa

For cars to overtake you on the right?
I find it really difficult too though. It's my main fault while driving and I'm trying to correct it. Always feels like I'll hit the kerb.

MascotDec85

If you keep to the left and the traffic on the other side of the road also keep left, you'll have a nice safety zone between each other

TheChizler

MascotDec85 wrote: »

If you keep to the left and the traffic on the other side of the road also keep left, you'll have a nice safety zone between each other

Exactly. Drive closer to stationary objects which you are much less likely to have to avoid in an emergency. Basically ignore the centre line entirely (apart from keeping left of it) WRT positioning.

YUAND

Keeping close to the white line can also indicate to other traffic that you are wishing to turn right or so I was told by my instructor anyway. He said the steering wheel should appear to be in the centre of the road on the straight if that helps.

Noveight

Ninjavampire wrote: »

From what I understand, for the driving test, the correct position on the road when driving normally is to the left, closer to the yellow line than the middle. Is there any reason that this is the case?

If two cars were to meet and both of them were out near the white line then a clash of mirrors would be the least harmful outcome.

ted1

MascotDec85 wrote: »

If you keep to the left and the traffic on the other side of the road also keep left, you'll have a nice safety zone between each other

Except you leave no room for vulnerable road users like cyclists. So you lose s danger.

TheChizler

ted1 wrote: »

Except you leave no room for vulnerable road users like cyclists. So you lose s danger.

Obviously overtake cyclists as you would any other car when there's enough room. By fully crossing the line and overtaking safely.

ted1

TheChizler wrote: »

Obviously overtake cyclists as you would any other car when there's enough room. By fully crossing the line and overtaking safely.

I was t talking about overtaking, When in traffic you should leave room for them to go up the inside.

Wanderer78

As others have said, default position is left justified

BeardySi

ted1 wrote: »

Except you leave no room for vulnerable road users like cyclists. So you lose s danger.

Unless there's a cycle lane, you're not supposed to be leaving extra room for cyclists. You want to be about a door's width from the left or in the centre of the lane, whichever is further left.

spaceHopper

Keep in a bit to the left, your closing speed on objects to your left is the car's speed, your closing speed to objects to your right is roughly twice your car's speed so you have a lot less time to react.

Dravokivich

YUAND wrote: »

Keeping close to the white line can also indicate to other traffic that you are wishing to turn right or so I was told by my instructor anyway. He said the steering wheel should appear to be in the centre of the road on the straight if that helps.

No use if you've a narrow (micra) or wide car (Jag).

J_R

Hi,

The Rules of the Road says

Your position on the road

Make sure you drive your vehicle far enough to the left to allow traffic to safely pass or overtake on the right but not so far to the left that you are driving on a cycle lane or blocking or endangering cyclists or pedestrians.

You should position your car a safe but not excessive distance from the left. This distance varies as it depends on your speed, traffic, weather and road conditions. A good instructor will explain the factors involved and how to judge this safe distance and not give a one liner "the steering wheel should appear to be in the centre of the road ".