Learner at an uncontrolled crossroad
You are riding a 250 cc motorcycle on a learner licence, with an L plate fitted, on a rural chipseal road at 5:40 pm. The road is damp and the low sun is behind you. Your speed is 65 km/h in a 100 km/h area because your learner limit is 70 km/h. You approach an uncontrolled crossroad with no stop or give way signs and no signals. You want to continue straight ahead. A car approaches from your right at about 80 km/h. A van approaches from the opposite direction, indicating right, and will cross your path if it turns. A ute is following you about 1.5 seconds behind, and the driver is close enough that you can see the grille in your mirrors. The side road on your right has a deep gravel shoulder. You need to clear the intersection before the next bend, about 100 metres ahead.
1. Set out the give-way order at the crossroad and explain how you would move off.
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At an uncontrolled crossroad, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. The car from the right is therefore first. The van from the left is indicating right; because it would turn across your path, it must give way to you if you are going straight. However, an indicator is only an intention, not a right of way, so do not move until the car from the right has cleared and the van is actually slowing or stopped. Keep the bike in first gear, cover the brakes, scan the van's front wheels, and check your mirrors for the ute. Move off smoothly once the intersection is clear, and be ready for the van to turn anyway.
2. The car from the right is indicating left. Does that change your obligation?
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No. The right-hand give-way rule applies regardless of the other driver's indicator. The car may have left its indicator on, may change its mind, or may be turning into a different road. You must wait until its path is clear and you can see it is actually turning. If you assume it is turning and pull out, you would be at fault if it continues straight.
3. What risks does the following ute create, and how do you manage them?
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The ute is close enough to limit your options. If you stop, it may not stop in time. Brake early and smoothly so your brake light warns the driver, leave extra space ahead so you do not need a hard stop, and keep an escape path to the left if possible. Do not wave the driver past or make a sudden move. After the intersection, if the ute is still tailgating, pull over safely and let it go.