10.37. You, as a driver, have decided to turn left at an intersection. You must:
UAВи, як водій, вирішили повернути ліворуч на перехресті. Вам необхідно:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe execution of a left turn at an intersection and common driver mistakes that lead to conflicts with oncoming traffic and side collisions. The left turn is considered one of the riskiest maneuvers in the city because it requires advance preparation, clear signals to other road users, and the correct trajectory without "cutting the corner." That is why this topic often appears on the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding maneuvering, specifically the requirements of points 9.4, 10.4, and 10.5. The driver must signal in advance with the turn indicator, take the appropriate far-left position on the roadway ahead of time for the left turn, and perform the maneuver so that when exiting the intersection, they do not end up in the oncoming lane. This is a basic algorithm that makes actions predictable for others and reduces the risk of accidents.
The analysis of the answer options shows the logic of the correct choice: turning on the left indicator and turning immediately is not enough, because the signal must be given in advance, and before the maneuver, the correct position must be taken. Only taking the far-left position without controlling the trajectory is also dangerous, as violating the requirement not to enter the oncoming lane when completing the turn is a direct risk of a head-on or side collision. The specific instruction about the trajectory without entering the oncoming lane is mandatory, but without prior preparation (signal and far-left position), it does not guarantee safety, so the correct answer is the combination of the two key actions.
In practice, this means: assess the situation in the mirrors in advance, signal, move to the far-left position of your direction, yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, and make the left turn through the center of the intersection without "cutting" the trajectory. This understanding of maneuvering rules helps to confidently answer exam questions and act correctly in real traffic.
Clause 9.4
The turn signal must be given in advance before starting the maneuver and must be turned off immediately after its completion (if signaling by hand, the signal must be finished immediately before performing the maneuver). In populated areas, the signal must be given at least 50 m before starting the maneuver, and outside populated areas — at least 100 m before.
Application explanation: before turning left, the driver is obliged to give the left turn signal in advance (not at the very moment of the turn).
Clause 10.4
Before turning right or left, including onto the main road, or making a U-turn, the driver is obliged to take the appropriate far-side position on the carriageway intended for movement in that direction in advance, except when turning at an intersection with a roundabout.
Application explanation: before turning left at an intersection, you must take the far-left position (lane) of your direction in advance, unless otherwise specified by signs/markings.
Clause 10.5
The turn must be performed in such a way that when exiting the intersection of carriageways, the vehicle does not end up in the oncoming lane, and when turning right — so that it does not enter the oncoming lane.
Application explanation: the left turn must be performed along a trajectory that does not allow "cutting the corner" or entering the oncoming lane when exiting the intersection.
That is, the correct answer is "Be sure to perform actions 2 and 3," given that according to the Traffic Rules, before turning left, the driver is obliged to give a signal in advance (clause 9.4) and take the appropriate far-side position on the carriageway in advance (clause 10.4), performing the turn without entering the oncoming lane (clause 10.5).
When planning to turn left at an intersection, the driver must act in advance and predictably for other road users. A left turn involves crossing oncoming traffic flows, so any sudden or "last-moment" maneuvers are especially dangerous here.
According to clause 10.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, before turning left, the driver is required to take the appropriate far-left position on the roadway designated for movement in that direction in advance. In practice, this means that before approaching the intersection, you need to change to the far-left lane (or the farthest left position within your lane if there is only one lane), making sure that such a lane change is safe. This step reduces the risk of conflict with vehicles moving alongside or behind you.
The second mandatory action for a left turn is to signal with the turn indicator in advance, not just at the moment of turning. The signal is not just a formality; it is needed so that other drivers and pedestrians have time to understand your intention and adjust their behavior accordingly: slow down, refrain from overtaking, or not start a maneuver. For example, if you turn on the signal too late, the driver behind may have already started overtaking, creating a dangerous situation.
It should also be remembered that the turn itself should be made along a trajectory through the intersection so that when exiting, the car does not end up in the oncoming lane and does not "cut the corner." This is a logical continuation of the requirement to take the correct position and signal in advance: when the driver is standing (or moving) from the far-left position and has warned others of their intention, they have the opportunity to make the turn in a controlled manner and without entering the oncoming lane.
Thus, the correct answer is "It is mandatory to perform actions 2 and 3," since according to clause 10.4, before turning left, the driver must take the far-left position in advance and signal in advance in order to perform the maneuver safely and predictably for others.