Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
What this domain covers
The Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way domain tests priority decisions at junctions, roundabouts, crossings and narrow sections. You must know who goes first, how to signal and position, and when a 'right of way' is actually a duty to give way.
Priority rules
- At an uncontrolled junction, yield to traffic approaching from your right in right-hand-traffic systems (from your left in left-hand-traffic systems).
- At a T-junction, traffic on the through road has priority; vehicles emerging from the side road give way.
- At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating; in right-hand traffic that means traffic from your right.
- Emergency vehicles using sirens and flashing lights should be given a clear path when safe, but do not break the law or endanger others.
- Pedestrians at a marked crossing have priority once they have stepped onto it; approach ready to stop.
Following and stopping
Use the two-second rule in dry conditions: pick a fixed point, and ensure at least two seconds pass before you reach it. In rain use three seconds; on ice use four or more. At 50 km/h, two seconds is about 28 metres (50 km/h = 13.9 m/s; 13.9 × 2 = 27.8 m).
Overtaking and lanes
Overtake only when you can see far enough, the road is clear, and no solid line or hazard prohibits it. Never overtake at a pedestrian crossing, blind bend, crest, or uncontrolled junction. In right-hand traffic, pass on the left; in left-hand traffic, pass on the right. Keep to the correct lane except when overtaking.
Worked example
Two cars arrive together at an uncontrolled four-way junction from opposite directions. Car A goes straight ahead; Car B turns across A's path to the left. Who has priority? Car A. Reasoning: B is turning across oncoming traffic, so B must yield. Arriving first does not automatically give priority if the other vehicle is already committed and has the legal right of way.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating 'right of way' as absolute; it is usually a duty to give way.
- Entering a roundabout without checking for circulating traffic.
- Tailgating because you think the two-second gap is a target, not a minimum.
- Overtaking on a solid line or at a junction.
- Forgetting to signal or cancelling a signal.
Key points
- Uncontrolled junction: yield to the right (right-hand traffic) or left (left-hand traffic).
- Roundabout: give way to traffic already on it.
- Two-second gap dry, three wet, four on ice.
- Never overtake on a blind bend, crest, crossing or solid line.
- Pedestrians on a marked crossing have priority.
- Signal, position and check before every manoeuvre.