Theory Mastery

Pre-sorting: choosing the correct lane in time

What the exam asks here: Many drivers only change lanes right before the junction.

16 minutes · 8 sections · 9 questions

The trap

Many learners think: You may quickly change lanes just before the junction.

The rule is: Pre-sorting must happen well in advance; switching too late or over a solid line is dangerous and not allowed.

Challenge

Many drivers only change lanes right before the junction. Why is that dangerous?

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The model

Pre-sorting means choosing the correct lane well in advance, using the lane arrows painted on the road and the direction signs. The arrow on your lane decides which direction you may go: straight, left or right.

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Core

Indicate in time, only change lanes when you do not hinder other traffic, and pick your lane well before the junction. You may not cross a solid line between lanes.

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Why it matters

Changing lanes too late surprises other drivers, forces braking or swerving and causes rear-end and side collisions. Pre-sorting in time makes your behaviour predictable and safe.

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Common trap

Trap: 'I can always quickly change lanes just before the junction.' No — crossing a solid line or switching just before the junction is dangerous and not allowed.

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Active recall

Your lane has an arrow pointing straight ahead only. What may you do?

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Teach back

Explain in your own words how you pre-sort correctly before a junction.

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Memory hook

Remember: choose your lane early, follow the arrow, stay off the solid line.

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Source: RVV 1990 art. 17 · RVV 1990 art. 76 · checked 2026-10-22

The picture

Pre-sorting in time versus changing too lateAnswerWell in advance on the correct lane, following the arrow✓ correctChanging across a solid line just before the junction✗ wrong
What to look at: Two situations at a junction with lane arrows: left pre-sorting in time and correctly, right changing too late and dangerously.

Signs and law

Test yourself

You approach a junction and want to turn left. When do you choose the correct lane?

Show the answer

Pre-sorting means choosing the correct lane well in advance, using the lane arrows painted on the road and the direction signs. The arrow on your lane decides which direction you may go: straight, left or right.

Exam questions on this topic

About Pre-sorting: choosing the correct lane in time: which statement is WRONG?

  1. When pre-sorting you do not need to indicate.
  2. The lane arrow mandatorily decides which direction you may take from that lane; you must follow it.
  3. You may never cross a solid line, even if there seems to be room.
  4. Pre-sorting must happen well in advance; switching too late or over a solid line is dangerous and not allowed.
Show the answer

Correct answer: When pre-sorting you do not need to indicate.

You must signal your intention to change lanes in time with your indicator.

Why learners get this wrong: The arrows on the road are only advice that you may ignore.

Open this question

When pre-sorting you do not need to indicate.

  1. False
  2. True
Show the answer

Correct answer: False

You must signal your intention to change lanes in time with your indicator.

Why learners get this wrong: When pre-sorting you do not need to indicate.

Open this question

About Pre-sorting: choosing the correct lane in time: which statement is WRONG?

  1. You may quickly change lanes just before the junction.
  2. The lane arrow mandatorily decides which direction you may take from that lane; you must follow it.
  3. You must signal your intention to change lanes in time with your indicator.
  4. You may never cross a solid line, even if there seems to be room.
Show the answer

Correct answer: You may quickly change lanes just before the junction.

Pre-sorting must happen well in advance; switching too late or over a solid line is dangerous and not allowed.

Why learners get this wrong: The arrows on the road are only advice that you may ignore.

Open this question

Pre-sorting must happen well in advance; switching too late or over a solid line is dangerous and not allowed.

  1. False
  2. True
Show the answer

Correct answer: True

Pre-sorting must happen well in advance; switching too late or over a solid line is dangerous and not allowed.

Why learners get this wrong: You may quickly change lanes just before the junction.

Open this question

How do you recognise which lane to choose for pre-sorting?

  1. By the lane arrows on the road and the direction signs
  2. The arrows are only advice; I choose the direction myself
Show the answer

Correct answer: By the lane arrows on the road and the direction signs

False — The arrow is binding and decides which direction you may take from that lane. (Theorie hoofdstuk 7 — Manoeuvres: wegrijden en voorsorteren)

Why learners get this wrong: The arrows on the road are only advice that you may ignore.

Open this question

Before a junction you are in the straight-ahead lane and see the left-turn lane right next to it, separated by a solid line. There is room. You may not cross that line now.

  1. True
  2. False
Show the answer

Correct answer: True

False — you think room cancels the line. You may not cross a solid line between lanes, even if there seems to be room; then carry on in your own lane. (Theorie hoofdstuk 7 — Manoeuvres: wegrijden en voorsorteren)

Why learners get this wrong: You may cross a solid line between lanes if there is room.

Open this question

Just before the junction you notice you are in the straight-ahead lane, while you need to turn left. A solid line separates the lanes. What do you do?

  1. Go straight on and find another route to the left further on
  2. Cross the line to the left lane, signalling
  3. Turn left from my lane anyway, the arrow is only advice
Show the answer

Correct answer: Go straight on and find another route to the left further on

False — the arrow in your lane is not advice. It sets which direction you may take from that lane; you must follow it. (Theorie hoofdstuk 7 — Manoeuvres: wegrijden en voorsorteren)

Why learners get this wrong: You may cross a solid line between lanes if there is room.

Open this question

You are approaching a junction with lane-choice arrows and see well in advance that you need the left lane. There is traffic beside you. What do you do?

  1. Drive on and only move left just before the stop line
  2. Change lanes without signalling, the arrows already show it
  3. Signal, look and change lanes without hindering anyone
Show the answer

Correct answer: Signal, look and change lanes without hindering anyone

False — the arrows do not replace your indicator. Make it clear in good time that you are changing lanes by signalling. (Theorie hoofdstuk 7 — Manoeuvres: wegrijden en voorsorteren)

Why learners get this wrong: You may quickly change lanes just before the junction.

Open this question

Your lane has one arrow pointing straight only. How many directions may you take from that lane?

Show the answer

Correct answer: 1

Open this question

Frequently asked questions

‘You may quickly change lanes just before the junction’ – is that true?

No. Pre-sorting must happen well in advance; switching too late or over a solid line is dangerous and not allowed.

‘The arrows on the road are only advice that you may ignore’ – is that true?

No. The lane arrow mandatorily decides which direction you may take from that lane; you must follow it.

‘When pre-sorting you do not need to indicate’ – is that true?

No. You must signal your intention to change lanes in time with your indicator.

‘You may cross a solid line between lanes if there is room’ – is that true?

No. You may never cross a solid line, even if there seems to be room.

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