Traffic Rules and Right-of-Way
The Traffic Rules and Right-of-Way domain tests whether you know who goes first and why. Dominica drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, and every priority rule in the exam is built on that fact. Most lost marks come from applying right-hand-traffic instincts picked up from foreign videos, or from assuming a blanket priority-to-the-right rule that Dominica does not use.
The left-hand rule set
- Keep left; overtake on the right of the vehicle ahead.
- On a roundabout, traffic circulates clockwise and you give way to vehicles already circulating, approaching from your right.
- A right turn crosses the path of oncoming traffic, so wait for a clear gap; a left turn is the short, protected turn.
- Emerging from a side road, driveway or petrol station, you give way to everything already on the road.
Junctions without signs
At an unmarked junction no driver has an automatic right. Approach so that you can stop, give way to traffic already on the main road or already committed to the junction, and make eye contact where you can. A driver who waves you out is being courteous, not handing you a legal right; check for yourself.
Narrow roads and hills
Dominica's interior roads are often single-lane with passing places. If the obstruction is on your side, you give way. On a steep hill the vehicle travelling downhill gives way to the vehicle climbing, because restarting uphill is harder and less safe. On blind bends a brief horn warning is normal local practice.
Worked example
You are climbing a steep, narrow hill and meet a truck descending. The descending vehicle should give way and, if necessary, reverse to a wider point, because the climbing vehicle faces the harder restart. Even if the truck is already past a passing place, the correct answer is to stop, keep left and let the situation resolve, never to force through.
Traps
Overtaking on the left; entering a roundabout without giving way; treating a green light or a friendly wave as an absolute right; failing to give priority to pedestrians already on a zebra crossing; and not yielding to emergency vehicles using sirens and flashing lights.