Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
This domain tests the everyday rules that decide who moves first. In St. Kitts and Nevis traffic keeps left, so overtaking is normally on the right and roundabouts are negotiated clockwise. The exam expects you to apply priority rules calmly, not to claim 'right of way' as an absolute entitlement.
Core rules
- Keep left except when overtaking, turning right or avoiding an obstruction.
- Overtake on the right; you may pass on the left in slow-moving queues or when the vehicle ahead is turning right and there is room.
- At a T-junction, traffic on the stem gives way to traffic on the through road.
- At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating, which approaches from your right.
- At a zebra crossing, give way to pedestrians on the crossing.
- Give way to emergency vehicles using sirens or blue lights, but do not endanger others.
Worked example
You reach a roundabout and a car is already circulating from your right. You wait. Reasoning: clockwise circulation means circulating traffic comes from your right; entering without giving way cuts across that vehicle's path. Waiting a few seconds is cheaper than a collision and a court appearance.
Traps that cost marks
- Saying 'I had right of way' after forcing another driver to brake; priority is given, not taken.
- Overtaking at a junction, bend or pedestrian crossing.
- Entering a roundabout without checking right because the entry looks clear.
- Following a large vehicle through a junction without seeing the signals or markings.