Right of way and junctions

Right of way is really about who gives way, not who has an absolute right to go. No driver has a guaranteed right to proceed. The rules simply set out who should yield in each situation so that traffic flows without guesswork. Getting these priorities right is central to the theory test and to safe driving once you pass.

Junctions and the signs that control them

At many junctions the priority is marked for you. A stop sign means you must bring the car to a complete stop at the line every time, look, and only move off when it is safe, even if the road looks clear. A yield sign means you must slow down, be ready to stop, and give way to traffic already on the road you are joining. Where a junction has no signs or markings, you give way to traffic on the major road, and you treat other drivers with caution rather than assuming they will stop for you.

Roundabouts

On a roundabout you give way to traffic already on it, which will be approaching from your right. Wait for a safe gap before you enter, keep to the correct lane for the exit you want, and signal left as you pass the exit before the one you are taking so others can read your intentions. Treating the roundabout as a place where you yield, rather than force your way on, is the safe habit the test rewards.

Box junctions and turning right

Yellow box junctions have a simple rule: do not enter the box unless your exit is clear, so you never come to a stop inside it and block the flow. The one exception is when you are turning right and are held up only by oncoming traffic. Turning right across a stream of oncoming vehicles is one of the more demanding manoeuvres, because you must wait for a gap that is genuinely large enough, judge the speed of approaching traffic, and avoid being rushed by cars waiting behind you.

Priority is not a guarantee

Having right of way does not mean forcing your way through. Even when the rules put priority with you, another driver may pull out, misjudge a gap or simply not see you, so stay ready to give way to avoid a collision. Good drivers treat priority as something to use with care rather than to insist on, and they slow down and check carefully at junctions rather than assuming everyone else will do the right thing.

Pedestrians and emergency vehicles

Pedestrians who are already crossing the road have priority, and you must let them finish crossing before you move. Take particular care at junctions where people may be stepping off the kerb, and at crossings where they have a clear right to cross. When an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens or flashing lights, stay calm, do not brake sharply, and pull in where it is safe to let it pass without blocking the road. To test yourself on priorities and junction rules, work through our Legal Matters and Rules of the Road practice.