10.40. You, as a driver, have decided to make a U-turn on the road outside an intersection. What must you do:
UAВи, як водій, вирішили розвернутись на дорозі поза перехрестям. Що Ви обов’язково повинні зробити:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe change of direction and performing a U-turn outside of an intersection. Such a maneuver is potentially dangerous because the driver crosses the paths of other road users, so the traffic rules require a clear sequence of actions: signal your intention, take the correct position, and yield the right of way. These are the skills tested in the theoretical exam to ensure that future drivers can perform a U-turn predictably and without creating obstacles.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules on maneuvering, primarily the requirements of point 10.4, as well as the rules for signaling (points 9.2 and 9.4) and the general obligation to ensure the safety of the maneuver (point 10.1). It is also important to remember that a U-turn must be permitted at the specific location: road signs and markings may directly prohibit this maneuver or crossing the line. In permitted cases, the driver must signal a left turn in advance, take the appropriate far-left position (and on roads with tram tracks at the same level as the roadway — according to point 10.5, the U-turn may be performed from the track in the same direction) and ensure that when exiting, they do not end up in the oncoming lane.
The analysis of the answer options shows why the correct answer is a combination of actions. Turning on the left turn signal is necessary, but by itself does not give priority and does not guarantee safety; taking the far-left position on the roadway is mandatory under point 10.4, but without yielding to oncoming traffic, the U-turn would create a conflict; yielding to oncoming vehicles is a direct requirement for non-rail vehicles when making a U-turn outside an intersection, but without signaling and the correct position, the maneuver would be unpredictable for others. Therefore, in this exam question, the correct logic of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine is to simultaneously fulfill all three conditions: signal, correct position, and priority to oncoming vehicles.
Clause 10.4
A driver who is making a left turn or a U-turn outside an intersection must in advance take the appropriate far position on the carriageway in the direction of travel and perform the maneuver in such a way that when leaving the carriageway, they do not end up in the oncoming traffic lane. The driver of a non-rail vehicle is required to yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, as well as to a tram moving in the same direction. If the dimensions of the vehicle or road conditions do not allow for a U-turn from the appropriate far position, it is permitted to deviate from the requirements of this clause, provided road safety is ensured and it does not contradict the requirements of road signs and markings.
Clause 9.2 (b)
The driver must signal with the turn indicators of the corresponding direction (or by hand) before changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn.
Clause 9.4
Signals with turn indicators (or by hand) must be given in advance before starting the maneuver (in populated areas — at least 50–100 m, outside populated areas — 150–200 m) and must be stopped immediately after its completion (giving a signal does not give the driver priority and does not exempt them from taking precautionary measures).
Clause 10.1
Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in the direction of movement, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Clause 10.5
On roads with tram tracks located at the same level as the carriageway, a left turn or U-turn, where permitted, is performed from the tram tracks in the same direction (unless otherwise specified by road signs or markings), without creating obstacles for tram movement.
That is, the correct answer is "Perform the actions specified in answers 1, 2, 3," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, when making a U-turn outside an intersection, the driver is required to signal in advance, take the correct (far) position for the maneuver, and necessarily yield to oncoming vehicles (and trams moving in the same direction), performing the maneuver without creating danger or obstacles.
When planning a U-turn outside an intersection, first make sure that this maneuver is actually permitted at the given location. To do this, assess the road signs and markings: if they prohibit a U-turn or crossing the relevant line, the maneuver is not allowed.
Next, before making the U-turn itself, you are required to warn other road users in advance about your intention. This is done by turning on the left turn signal before starting the maneuver, so that other drivers have time to properly react to the change in your trajectory.
After signaling, you need to take the correct position on the roadway. According to the requirements of paragraph 10.4 of the Traffic Rules, a U-turn outside an intersection is performed from the far left position in your direction. That is, you first check the situation (including using mirrors), move to the left, and take a position from which the maneuver will be predictable and safe for others.
And when directly performing the U-turn, you must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. The logic is simple: during the U-turn, you cross their path, so it is you who must let the oncoming flow pass and perform the maneuver only when it does not create an obstacle or danger.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Perform the actions specified in answers 1, 2, 3," since when making a U-turn outside an intersection, the driver must make sure the maneuver is allowed, signal in advance, take the far left position, and yield to oncoming vehicles.