Free independent study reference. Examples are original, not official exam questions. This page does not assess practical driving ability.
Turning and signalling practice →Identify the lane’s purpose before entering
The centre lane lets a turning vehicle leave the main traffic stream. Its shared use means it is not an extra through lane. Do not use it to pass a queue.
The handbook also shows a left turn from a driveway. This does not make every merge immediate: traffic, visibility and another vehicle using the shared lane still need checking.
Source: New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook — §4.18, p. 46 ↗Enter near the actual turning point
Position beside the lane, signal left and reduce speed. Check in all directions, including the left blind spot, before moving into the lane near where the turn will occur.
Wait for a safe break in opposing traffic before finishing the turn. A vehicle waiting in the centre can hide another road user; leave room and reassess the view instead of following its movement blindly.
Source: New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook — §4.18, p. 46 ↗Try these decisions
Original learning cases
A queue slows in the through lane. The centre turn lane is not available as a shortcut around it.
Two drivers need left turns from opposite directions. Both must account for shared space; a turn signal does not reserve the whole lane.
A waiting vehicle hides approaching traffic. Keep waiting until the view and gap allow your own turn.
Distinguish shared space from reserved priority
The lane does not grant exclusive possession to the first driver who signals. Another driver may be approaching from the opposite direction. The learning task is to identify that conflict early and wait for a clear, safe manoeuvre. Practise vehicle positioning with your supervising driver.
A shared centre lane is different from a dedicated left-turn lane at a signal. Read the markings and the actual traffic arrangement before deciding which manoeuvre is intended.
Source: New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook — §4.18, p. 46 ↗