Mandatory direction of travel
The sign indicates that drivers shall leave the intersection in the direction indicated on the sign.
When you see the sign
You must turn left at the intersection or at the location where the sign applies. You cannot continue straight ahead or turn right.
Rules
- Turning left is the only permitted direction of travel indicated by the sign.
- You must position yourself for a left turn in accordance with the road markings and the conditions at the location.
- The sign does not give you priority; you must still comply with give-way rules, traffic lights and the rules concerning oncoming traffic.
- The requirement does not apply if a police officer or another authorised person is directing traffic differently.
Tips
- Reduce your speed early, use your left turn signal and look for the correct lane.
- Look out for oncoming traffic, cyclists and pedestrians before making the turn.
- Follow any lane arrows so that you do not end up in a lane leading straight ahead or to the right.
- Note that the arrow is curved to the left; this shows that you must make a left turn.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign merely recommends turning left, but it indicates a mandatory direction.
- The sign is sometimes confused with «Påbudt kjøreretning til venstre», which has a diagonal arrow and may indicate that you must drive or pass to the left.
- Some people think the requirement gives them priority through the turn, but the usual give-way rules still apply.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the sign mean?
- AYou must drive straight ahead.
- BYou must turn left.
- CYou may choose between turning right and turning left.
- DYou must turn right.
Medium
You are approaching an intersection with this sign, and oncoming traffic is going straight ahead. What do you do?
- AYou position yourself to turn left and drive in front of the oncoming traffic.
- BYou position yourself to drive straight ahead and follow the oncoming traffic.
- CYou position yourself to turn left and give way to the oncoming traffic.
- DYou position yourself to turn right and give way to the oncoming traffic.
Hard
A police officer directs you straight ahead at the intersection, even though the sign indicates a different direction of travel. What do you do?
- AYou stop and wait until the sign is removed.
- BYou turn right to avoid the intersection.
- CYou turn left as shown by the sign.
- DYou drive straight ahead as directed by the police officer.
Theory test tip
Look closely at the shape of the arrow: A curved arrow pointing left means that you must turn left, while a diagonal arrow pointing left means that you must drive or pass to the left.
Did you know
The curved arrow distinguishes this sign from the mandatory sign with a diagonal arrow pointing left. The curve shows that the driver must change direction by turning left, typically at an intersection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive straight ahead if there is no other traffic?
No. The sign requires you to turn left, regardless of whether the road ahead is clear.
Do I have priority when I follow the requirement?
No. You must still comply with give-way signs, traffic lights and the rules on giving way to, among others, oncoming traffic.
Do I have to use my turn signal even though the sign shows that I must turn?
Yes. You must signal clearly so that other road users understand that you are going to turn left.
Can I make a U-turn at this sign?
The sign requires you to turn left and does not, by itself, give permission to turn around. Any U-turn must be legal and possible to carry out without danger or unnecessary obstruction, but you should not interpret the sign as requiring you to turn around.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.







