Changing direction is an essential manoeuvre for safe driving. It involves leaving the road you are travelling on to take another, whether turning left or right, or entering and exiting a roundabout. Mastering this step ensures good traffic flow while respecting the rules and other road users.

D. Changing direction

What is a change of direction?

Changing direction means turning left or right to leave the carriageway you are on to take another road. Entering a roundabout is a change of direction that does not require the use of the indicator. Exiting a roundabout is a change of direction that requires the use of the indicator. You are obliged to use the indicator before leaving the roundabout.

Before turning

You must ensure there is no prohibition sign forbidding you from turning. You must comply with the mandatory sign requiring you to follow the direction. You must take into account the selection arrows. It is forbidden to follow a direction other than that indicated by the arrow on your traffic lane. You must take into account the white lines prohibiting you from crossing them. If you find yourself in the wrong lane, it is forbidden to cross the white line to change lanes.

The driver turning right

Check your mirror then use the indicator in good time. This indication must stop once the manoeuvre is completed. Keep as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway.

The driver turning left

The driver turning left must give way to drivers coming from the opposite direction on the carriageway they are about to leave.

To carry out a change of direction safely, it is essential to respect signage, correctly signal your intentions using indicators and give way to other road users when necessary. Good preparation and careful execution of this manoeuvre ensure safe and smooth driving.