Heads up
The Left Lane Is a Tool
The left lane is a tool for passing, not a more comfortable place to drive. When your overtake is done, move back to the right as soon as it's safe.
Lesson7 min
Lanes and the Carriageway
Positioning, lane changes and lane discipline
You will learn, among other things:
Keep to the Right
On roads with multiple lanes in the same direction, you must keep to the right. The left lane is for overtaking or for cars about to turn left. Once your overtake is finished, move back. Sitting in the left lane for no reason isn't cautious driving — it's a traffic offence under Trafikförordningen.
Changing Lanes
Before you change lane: mirror, indicate, check the blind spot, then move. Count three seconds from indicator to movement. Cutting in forces the driver behind to brake — that's classed as carelessness, not a routine manoeuvre.
Tip
A Safe Routine
Think in a fixed order: mirror, side mirror, blind spot, indicator, move. Same order every time — then it still works when you're tired or stressed.
Lane Markings
You may not cross or drive on a solid line. You may cross a dashed line when it's safe. When a solid line sits next to a dashed one, you follow the line on your side. Exam questions often hinge on that detail.
Rule
Bus Lanes and Reserved Lanes
Bus lanes are for buses, taxis on duty and vehicles listed on a supplementary sign. You may cross a bus lane to turn or to enter a property, but you may not drive along it. A bus lane doesn't automatically end where a dashed line appears — read the sign.
Exam trap
Exam Trap: Indicators Aren't Right of Way
An indicator is information, not an order. You don't get the right to push in front of someone just because you signalled. If traffic behind has to brake, you got it wrong — indicator or no indicator.
Scenario
Decision: Alone in the Left Lane
You're driving 100 km/h on a three-lane motorway. The right lane is empty as far as you can see. You're not overtaking anyone. What do you do? Move back to the right now. The left lane isn't 'yours' — you're blocking traffic coming up at 110 km/h behind you.
Checklist