10.38. You, as a driver, when turning left, saw that the vehicle moving ahead of you has started to make a U-turn. What should you do?
UAВи, як водій, повертаючи ліворуч, побачили що автомобіль, який рухається попереду Вас почав виконувати розворот, Ваші дії:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the safe interaction of drivers when passing intersections and performing maneuvers where movement trajectories may intersect. In practice, this situation often occurs in the far left lane: the vehicle ahead signals left, while the driver behind plans to turn left. The mistake of "rushing to go first" often leads to a side collision, since a U-turn is usually performed along a wider trajectory, and the vehicle ahead may occupy more space at the intersection.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules on maneuvering and turns/U-turns (clause 10.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine). This particular clause requires the driver who is turning left to yield to the vehicle ahead in the same direction if it has started a U-turn. This logic is further confirmed by general norms: "to yield" means not to create a need for another road user to change speed or direction (term from clause 1.10), and any change in direction must be carried out only after making sure it is safe (clause 10.1). For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember: a left turn signal does not always unambiguously mean a left turn; it can also indicate a U-turn.
The analysis of answer options comes down to a simple rule: you cannot proceed "first" in such a situation, as this contradicts the requirement to yield to the vehicle ahead that is already making a U-turn and creates a risk of intersecting trajectories. Giving a sound signal also does not grant priority and does not cancel the obligation to act cautiously: signals do not change the order of passage, and priority is determined by the traffic rules (in particular, clause 10.4), not by "warning" another driver. The correct tactic for both training and real road situations is the same: reduce speed if necessary, stay behind, and complete your maneuver only after the vehicle ahead has finished its U-turn and the situation is safe.
Clause 10.4
Turning left or making a U-turn must be performed in such a way that when exiting the intersection of carriageways, the vehicle does not end up in the oncoming traffic lane. A driver turning left must yield to vehicles moving in the opposite direction straight ahead or to the right, as well as to vehicles moving in the same direction ahead that are making a U-turn.
Application: if you are turning left and a vehicle ahead in the same direction has started a U-turn, you are required to yield (give way) to it.
Clause 1.10 (term "Give way (not to create obstacles)")
Give way (not to create obstacles) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, nor to make any maneuver, if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change their direction or speed.
Application: "give way" in this situation means not to start/continue turning left in such a way that would force the vehicle ahead (which is making a U-turn) to change its speed or trajectory because of you.
Clause 9.2
Giving a warning signal does not give the driver priority in movement and does not exempt them from taking precautionary measures.
Application: turning on the left turn indicator by itself does not "secure" your right to complete the maneuver first — priority is determined by the rules, in particular clause 10.4.
Clause 10.1
Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in direction, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Application: before turning left, you must assess the actions of the vehicle ahead in the same direction (whether it has started a U-turn) and not perform a maneuver that would create danger for it.
That is, the correct answer is "You are required to yield to the vehicle ahead of you that has started a U-turn," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a driver turning left must yield to a vehicle ahead in the same direction making a U-turn (clause 10.4), and "give way" means not creating a need for it to change speed or direction (clause 1.10).
Imagine the situation: you are approaching an intersection in the far left lane and plan to turn left. Ahead of you in the same lane, a car is also signaling a left turn, but at a certain moment you see that it has actually started to make a U-turn.
It is important to understand that a left turn signal by itself does not clearly indicate which maneuver the driver ahead will perform: a left turn or a U-turn. Therefore, the driver behind does not have the right to "guess" the intention and try to slip by, counting on a different trajectory of the vehicle in front.
Clause 10.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes a direct requirement: a driver making a left turn must yield to vehicles ahead moving in the same direction that are making a U-turn. The logic of the rule is simple: during a U-turn, the car ahead may pass through the intersection along a wider, "farther" trajectory, and if you start turning left at the same time, the trajectories may intersect. This creates a typical collision hazard at the intersection between the first car making a U-turn and the second car turning left.
Therefore, your correct actions in this situation are: reduce your speed if necessary, continue moving behind, and do not begin your left turn until the vehicle ahead has completed its U-turn and it is clear that your trajectory will be safe.
Thus, the correct answer is: "You are required to yield to the vehicle ahead of you that has started to make a U-turn," because according to clause 10.4 of the Traffic Rules, a driver turning left must yield to the vehicle ahead making a U-turn in order to avoid intersecting trajectories and an accident.