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Further theory lessons

Zipper merging or motorway entry?

Reason from the conditions, not from a memorised answer. Read the scene, choose, then open the explanation. The drawing is illustrative; the written conditions control the question.

1

First identify the road layout. A closing lane in very slow traffic is different from an acceleration lane entering a motorway. Similar-looking drawings can therefore require different decisions.

2

For zipper merging in very slow traffic, use the available lanes up to just before the narrowing and alternate one vehicle at a time. Signalling communicates your intention; it does not make a sudden move safe.

3

When entering a motorway, give way to vehicles already on it, including in slow traffic. Match speed and look for a safe gap; other drivers may help, but they are not obliged to move left for you.

Regulatory source ↗Regulatory source 2 ↗
Reviewed 2026-11-07

Apply the lesson · 3

Question 1 · Advanced scenarios

Roadworks close the LEFT lane. Both lanes are moving at walking pace. You are in the continuing right lane, just before the narrowing. The vehicle in front has admitted one car. What should you do next?

Two slow queues before a left-lane closure
Two slow queues before a left-lane closureBlue car: you. Gold car: other traffic. Diagram not to scale; use the written conditions.
  1. Continue without admitting another car because the vehicle in front already did so.
  2. Leave room for one car from the closing lane, then continue in turn.
  3. Let the whole left queue pass before you continue.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Each driver on the continuing lane admits one vehicle just before the narrowing. The preceding driver’s turn does not replace yours. Admitting the whole queue is not the alternating rule.

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Question 2 · Advanced scenarios

You are on a motorway acceleration lane. Main-road traffic is very slow and your lane is ending. Which rule determines who gives way?

Acceleration lane beside motorway traffic
Acceleration lane beside motorway trafficBlue car: you. Gold car: other traffic. Diagram not to scale; use the written conditions.
  1. The motorway driver must admit me under the zipper rule.
  2. The motorway driver must change to the left lane for me.
  3. I give way to vehicles already on the motorway and enter only into a safe gap.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Motorway entry remains subject to giving way, even in a queue. A courteous gap is possible, but compulsory zipper merging and a duty to change lanes do not arise here.

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Question 3 · Advanced scenarios

Your left lane ends ahead. Traffic is flowing normally, without a queue. A car occupies the continuing lane beside you. What is correct?

Cars side by side before the left lane ends
Cars side by side before the left lane endsBlue car: you. Gold car: other traffic. Diagram not to scale; use the written conditions.
  1. Adjust speed, signal and change lanes only when I can give way safely.
  2. Keep my speed and expect the car beside me to alternate with me.
  3. Signal and begin moving over so that the other driver knows to brake.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

The specified very-slow-traffic condition for zipper merging is absent. Changing lanes is a manoeuvre: the indicator does not grant priority. Create a safe gap rather than forcing another driver to brake.

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