Right-of-way, junctions and traffic rules
This domain tests whether you can decide, quickly and in the correct order, who goes first. Guinea-Bissau drives on the right and inherits the continental-European priority logic: at junctions with no signs the default is priority to the right, but that default is displaced the moment a sign, a marking, a signal or an officer says otherwise.
The default rule
At an unmarked junction of roads of equal status, give way to vehicles approaching from your right. Give way to oncoming traffic when you turn across it, whether left or right in a two-way system. A vehicle entering a public road from a track, a private drive, a garage, a petrol station or a car park gives way to everyone already on the road.
Junction types
- T-junction: the road that ends gives way; the through road keeps its priority.
- Priority road (yellow diamond): traffic on it has priority through successive junctions; the same sign struck through ends the priority.
- Roundabout: give way to traffic already circulating, which approaches from your left. Signal right to leave, and choose your lane before you enter rather than changing on the circle.
- Pedestrians crossing the side road you are turning into have priority over you.
- Emergency vehicles using blue lights and sirens: give way, but do not brake or swerve into danger.
Worked example
A car reaches an unsigned crossroads intending to turn left. A motorcycle is approaching from the right, going straight, and a van is coming the other way. Order of reasoning: there is no sign, so the right-hand rule applies; the motorcycle has priority over the car. The car must also yield to the oncoming van, because its left turn crosses the van's path. Only when both are past may the car proceed. Answering 'the car, because the motorcycle is smaller and slower' is the classic error.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming a road is 'the main road' without a sign; entering a roundabout without giving way because you signalled; waving another driver through and creating ambiguity; forgetting the left turn yields to oncoming traffic; and failing to scan for motorcycles before pulling out.