A sign that tells you what to do
Turn left ahead
A blue circle with a left arrow means turn left - you must turn left here.
01
What it means
The blue circle is a mandatory instruction: turn left at this point. It's used where going straight on or right would be unsafe or against the one-way / traffic system.
02
Where you'll see it
At junctions and on one-way systems where only a left turn is allowed.
03
On your driving test
Signal and position early. Following a mandatory turn arrow correctly - in the right lane, with the right signal - is exactly what's assessed.
Often confused with
Quick answers
What's the difference between 'turn left' and 'keep left'?
'Turn left' (a horizontal left arrow) means make a left turn. 'Keep left' (a downward-left arrow) means pass to the left of an obstruction such as a traffic island, you're not turning off.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
Last updated:
Start with a first lesson.