Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
This domain tests who goes first, where you position the vehicle, how you overtake, turn and behave at junctions, crossings and roundabouts. The Gambia drives on the right, so every priority rule follows from that.
Position and overtaking
- Keep to the right-hand side of the carriageway and overtake on the left of the vehicle ahead.
- Return to the right as soon as it is safe; do not straddle lanes.
- Never overtake at a pedestrian crossing, on a bend, at a junction, on the crest of a hill, or where the line on your side is solid.
- Do not overtake a vehicle that is slowing for a crossing, and do not speed up while being overtaken.
Junctions
- GIVE WAY: slow down, look, and give way to traffic on the major road; you need not stop if it is clear, but you must be able to.
- STOP: a full stop at the line every time, even when the road looks empty.
- Where there is no sign or signal, treat the junction as one you must be ready to give way at. Traffic already in the junction has priority, and vehicles approaching from your right are the first hazard to check because they cross your path.
- Turning right, you cross oncoming traffic and must give way to it. Turning left, give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
Roundabouts
Traffic circulates counter-clockwise. Give way to vehicles already on the roundabout, which approach from your left. Signal to leave after you pass the exit before yours. Never enter alongside a long vehicle, which may need the whole width.
Pedestrians and priority vehicles
Give way at zebra crossings to anyone on the crossing or clearly waiting to step on. Pull over safely for ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles using lights or sirens. When passing a stationary gelly-gelly or bus, expect passengers to step out from in front of it.
Worked example
You reach a roundabout. A car is already circulating from your left and another is close behind you. You give way - the circulating car has priority and the follower's impatience is not a reason to pull out. Once it passes, you enter, keep right within the circle, and signal off at your exit.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating GIVE WAY as "stop" and stopping dead when the road is clear, or treating it as "roll through".
- Moving off on another driver's indicator, which shows intention only.
- Forgetting the blind-spot check before changing lane or position.