Rules of the Road and Right of Way
Domain overview
This domain tests the keep-left rule, who goes first at junctions, overtaking, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and special vehicles. Indian roads use left-hand traffic, so every right-of-way answer starts from that fact.
Core rules
- Keep to the left of the road; use the left lane for normal driving and the right lane for overtaking or turning right.
- Overtake from the right. Overtaking on the left is allowed only when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn and there is room.
- Never overtake at a bend, hill crest, narrow bridge, railway crossing, pedestrian crossing or junction.
- At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and give way to traffic approaching from your right.
- At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has right of way; enter clockwise and give way to the right.
- Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing and do not stop on the crossing.
- Give way to ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles using sirens; do not follow closely behind them.
- At a railway level crossing, stop, look both ways and cross only when clear; never race a train.
Worked example
You approach an uncontrolled T-junction intending to go straight. A car is coming from your right. Because traffic keeps left in India, the car on your right has right of way - you slow or stop and let it pass before proceeding. If the junction had a “Give Way” sign, the same result applies, but the sign makes the obligation explicit.
Traps
Many candidates assume “straight ahead” always has priority; at an uncontrolled junction, the right-hand rule decides. Others overtake on the left because the lane looks free. Blocking a zebra crossing while waiting at a red light also costs marks.