Traffic situations and right-of-way
This domain applies priority rules to real situations: roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, narrow roads, oncoming traffic, buses and trams, level crossings and turning conflicts. The exam wants a clear decision, not a vague hope that the other driver will yield.
Situations to know
- Roundabouts: traffic already in the roundabout has priority unless signs say otherwise. Enter only when there is a safe gap. Signal right before your exit. Do not change lanes inside the roundabout without checking and signalling.
- Pedestrian crossings: stop for pedestrians on the crossing or clearly intending to cross. When you turn into a side road, pedestrians crossing that side road may have priority; approach slowly and be ready to stop.
- Public transport: trams have priority. In built-up areas, buses leaving a marked stop may have priority when they signal their intention to pull out; give way if it is safe.
- Narrow roads: if passing is impossible, the vehicle that can most easily reverse should do so, but avoid reversing into a blind area. Give way to oncoming traffic on your side of an obstacle.
- Level crossings: never enter if the barrier is closing, the light is flashing or the queue ahead would leave you trapped on the tracks.
Worked example
You approach a roundabout in a category F vehicle. A car is already circulating from your left. You must yield to it because it is already in the roundabout. Once it passes and the entry is clear, you enter, stay in your lane and signal right before your exit. You do not apply right-before-left inside the roundabout, and you do not signal left to enter.
Traps that cost marks
Treating a roundabout as an unmarked crossroads is a classic error. So is entering a junction when the exit is blocked and stopping across the crossing traffic. Another trap is assuming a bus or tram will always stop for you; public transport has strong priority. Do not reverse blindly on a narrow road simply because you are the smaller vehicle.
Key points
- Yield to traffic already in a roundabout; signal right before exiting.
- Pedestrians on or entering a zebra crossing have priority.
- Trams have priority; give way to buses leaving marked stops when required.
- On narrow roads, use the side of the obstacle and avoid blind reversing.
- Never block a junction or level crossing.