8.1.34. In which direction are you allowed to proceed on this signal of the traffic controller?
UAУ якому напрямку Ви можете продовжити рух на даний сигнал регулювальника?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of passing intersections and road sections where traffic is regulated by a traffic controller. In such situations, mistakes in interpreting gestures can lead to conflicting trajectories, dangerous maneuvers, and accidents, which is why questions about the controller’s signals and permitted directions of movement are often included in the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of Section 8 of the Traffic Rules, specifically the priority of the controller’s signals (item 8.6) and the meaning of the gesture “right arm extended forward” (item 8.8 b). If a driver approaches the controller from his left side, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move in all directions, including making a U-turn. Therefore, options that limit movement to only left, only straight/right, or straight/left are incomplete and do not comply with the Traffic Rules; likewise, an option without the possibility of a U-turn is incorrect, since “in all directions” under the Traffic Rules includes movement in the opposite direction as well.
The practical meaning of this rule is that before any permitted maneuver, the driver must signal in advance and take the correct position on the carriageway to make a turn or U-turn safely and without violations. This knowledge helps to confidently pass the theoretical exam and act correctly in real traffic, where the controller’s signals take precedence over traffic lights, signs, and road markings.
Clause 8.6
The signals of the traffic controller are mandatory for all road users and take precedence over traffic light signals, road signs, and road markings.
Brief explanation of application: if a traffic light is operating at an intersection/there are signs, but the traffic is being regulated by a controller — it is the controller's signals that apply.
Clause 8.8 b)
The controller's gesture "right arm extended forward" has the following meanings:
from the left side of the controller: for trams — movement to the left is allowed; for non-rail vehicles — movement in all directions is allowed;
from the front (chest): for all vehicles — only a right turn is allowed;
from the back: for trams — right turn is allowed; for non-rail vehicles — left turn is allowed;
from the right side: vehicle movement is prohibited;
for pedestrians: crossing the carriageway behind the controller is allowed.
Brief explanation of application: if you approach the controller from his left side (as in the signal described in the question), then for non-rail vehicles it is allowed to go straight, right, left, as well as make a U-turn (move in the opposite direction).
That is, the correct answer is "Straight, right, left, or in the opposite direction," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, when the controller's gesture is "right arm extended forward," non-rail vehicles from the left side of the controller are allowed to move in all directions.
When traffic at an intersection or section of the road is regulated by a traffic controller, the driver should primarily follow the controller’s signals. These signals take precedence over traffic lights and road signs related to the order of passage.
According to clause 8.8 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, if you approach the controller from the left side, their gesture means that for a non-rail vehicle (that is, for a car), movement is allowed in all directions. This is an important exception to remember: from this side of the controller, the driver may go not only straight or to either side, but also make a U-turn.
In practice, this means that you may continue straight; turn right; turn left; or make a U-turn and go in the opposite direction. At the same time, before any maneuver, you must signal in advance with the appropriate turn indicator and take the correct position on the roadway to perform the maneuver safely and without violations.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Straight, right, left, or in the opposite direction," since according to clause 8.8 (b) of the Traffic Rules, when approaching the controller from the left side, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move in all directions, including making a U-turn.