Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way, Intersections, and Safe Following
What the M1 rules section really tests
The rules questions check whether you can apply a small set of priority rules to everyday situations. The core concepts are: right-of-way at uncontrolled and all-way-stop intersections, the difference between a stop and a yield, turning rules (left turns yield to oncoming traffic; right turns on red are allowed after a full stop unless signed otherwise), lane use and passing, following distance, and how speed limits and school/construction zones change your obligations.
Traps to watch for
- First-to-stop, first-to-go at a four-way stop. If two vehicles arrive at the same moment, the vehicle on the right goes first. Questions often describe simultaneous arrival to test this.
- Left turns across oncoming traffic: the turning driver yields, even if they arrived first.
- Right turn on red: permitted only after a complete stop and only where no sign prohibits it; pedestrians and cross traffic still have priority.
- Following distance: use the two-second rule at minimum, and increase it in rain, snow, darkness, or behind large vehicles that block your view.
- Passing: never pass at a railway crossing, on a hill crest, or where a solid line is on your side.
Worked example
You reach an all-way stop at the same time as a car on your left. You are on the right, so you proceed first - but only after confirming the intersection is clear and any pedestrian has finished crossing. If the other car had arrived clearly before you, it would go first regardless of position.
Rule of thumb
When unsure, yield. A missed right-of-way is a failed question; an unnecessary yield is only a delay.