56.10. Which of the drivers of goods vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of over 3.5 t and tractors has correctly occupied the lane for driving straight ahead?
UAХто з водіїв вантажних автомобілів із дозволеною максимальною масою понад 3,5 т і трактора правильно зайняв смугу для руху прямо?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely choose the correct lane on a multi-lane road before a controlled intersection. The proper positioning of vehicles within the lanes directly affects the predictability of maneuvers and reduces the risk of conflicts when passing through intersections, which is an important part of preparation for the theoretical exam.
The task belongs to Section 11 of the Traffic Rules, specifically to point 11.6 "Positioning of vehicles on the carriageway." This point sets restrictions for trucks with a permitted maximum weight over 3.5 tons, tractors, self-propelled machines, and mechanisms: on roads with three or more lanes in one direction, they are not allowed to occupy the far left lane for straight-ahead movement, as it is permitted only for turning left or making a U-turn (and on one-way roads in populated areas, also for stopping on the left in permitted cases for loading and unloading operations).
The analysis of the answer options in this theoretical block comes down to a simple rule: if such a vehicle is in the far left lane and plans to go straight, it violates point 11.6, so the statement that all drivers chose the lane correctly is incorrect. The option where only one vehicle is considered correct also does not meet the requirements, because according to the Traffic Rules, both vehicles that chose a lane other than the far left for straight-ahead movement are acting correctly, and the mistake lies precisely in the use of the left lane by a truck over 3.5 tons without the intention to turn left or make a U-turn.
The practical meaning of this rule for training and real trips is simple: heavy trucks and tractors must move more predictably and not create obstacles for faster traffic flow, so their "straight" movement from the left on a multi-lane road is restricted. Understanding point 11.6 helps avoid common mistakes in the exam and in everyday driving, especially when approaching traffic light intersections with three lanes.
Clause 11.6 (Section 11 "Positioning of vehicles on the carriageway")
On roads with three or more lanes in one direction, trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t, tractors, self-propelled machines and mechanisms are allowed to enter the far left lane only for turning left and making a U-turn, and in populated areas on one-way roads, in addition, — for stopping on the left, in permitted cases, for loading or unloading purposes.
Application to the situation: if such vehicles (trucks over 3.5 t and tractors) are moving straight on a road with three or more lanes in one direction, they are not allowed to occupy the far left lane (it is permitted for them only for turning left/U-turn, and on one-way roads in populated areas — also for stopping on the left in permitted cases for cargo operations).
That is, the correct answer is "The tractor driver and the driver of the truck with a trailer.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, trucks over 3.5 t and tractors on roads with three or more lanes in one direction are prohibited from occupying the far left lane for driving straight.
We have a signal-controlled intersection ahead, where three vehicles have approached and all intend to continue straight. The carriageway has three lanes in one direction, so the choice of lane for such vehicles is determined by specific requirements of the Rules.
According to paragraph 11.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons, as well as tractors, are prohibited from occupying the far left lane on a road with three or more lanes in one direction, unless they intend to turn left or make a U-turn. That is, the far left lane is not intended for them to go straight.
In the situation shown in the illustration, the blue truck (over 3.5 tons) is in the far left lane and intends to go straight. This contradicts paragraph 11.6, so it has chosen the lane incorrectly.
Meanwhile, the tractor and the truck with a trailer are not in the far left lane, but in lanes from which going straight is allowed for them. Therefore, their choice of lane complies with the requirements of the Rules.
Thus, the correct answer is "The tractor driver and the driver of the truck with a trailer," since such vehicles, according to paragraph 11.6 of the Traffic Rules, are prohibited from going straight from the far left lane on a road with three lanes in one direction, and the tractor and truck with a trailer did not violate this prohibition.