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Mandatory direction of travel
The sign indicates that drivers shall leave the intersection in the direction indicated on the sign.
When you see the sign
You must follow the arrow and drive to the left. You cannot choose to drive right or straight ahead if those directions are not permitted by other signs.
Rules
- The sign makes driving to the left mandatory; it is not merely a recommendation.
- The requirement applies from the point where the sign is installed.
- You must follow the requirement even if the road physically allows you to drive in another direction.
- You must still comply with the give-way rules, traffic lights and other signs when driving to the left.
Tips
- Spot the sign early, check your mirrors and position your vehicle in the correct lane before driving to the left.
- Look closely at the shape of the arrow: a straight arrow pointing left must not be confused with the curved arrow for a mandatory left turn.
- Check for oncoming traffic, cyclists and pedestrians if the direction of travel takes you across other traffic flows.
- Look for road markings and any lane arrows showing how you must follow the requirement.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that the sign merely recommends driving to the left. It is a mandatory requirement.
- Confusing it with sign 402.5, which has a curved arrow and requires you to turn left.
- Confusing it with sign 404.1. A mandatory lane sign indicates which side of the sign or obstacle you must pass.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the sign mean?
- AYou must drive to the left.
- BYou must drive straight ahead.
- CYou may choose right or left.
- DYou must drive to the right.
Medium
You encounter the sign at an intersection where the road also physically makes it possible to drive straight ahead. What should you do?
- AChoose the direction based on the shortest driving route.
- BDrive to the right if traffic is light.
- CDrive straight ahead if the road is open.
- DDrive to the left and follow the other regulations.
Hard
What is the difference between the sign in the picture and a blue mandatory sign with an arrow pointing diagonally down to the left?
- AThis one recommends driving to the left, while the diagonal arrow requires a turn to the left.
- BThis one requires driving to the left, while the diagonal arrow requires passing on the left side.
- CThis one requires turning to the left, while the diagonal arrow recommends passing on the left side.
- DThis one requires passing on the left side, while the diagonal arrow requires driving to the left.
Theory test tip
Look at both the direction the arrow points and whether the arrow is straight or curved. An arrow pointing straight to the left means that you must drive to the left, while a curved arrow means that you must turn left.
Did you know
Sign 402.2 is part of a series of mandatory signs in which the direction and shape of the arrow show exactly which driving directions are permitted. The difference between a straight and a curved arrow is therefore important in the theory test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive straight ahead if the road is clear?
No. The sign requires you to drive to the left, so another direction is not permitted unless other traffic regulations explicitly indicate otherwise.
Do I automatically have priority when I follow the arrow?
No. The sign determines the direction of travel, but does not by itself give you priority. You must still comply with the give-way rules, traffic lights and other traffic regulations.
Is this the same as a mandatory lane sign?
No. A mandatory direction to the left determines which direction you must drive, while a mandatory lane sign indicates which side of the sign or an obstacle you must pass.
What is the difference between a straight and a curved left-pointing arrow?
A straight arrow pointing left requires you to drive to the left. A curved arrow pointing left requires you to turn left.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
