Rules of the Road
Junctions: The Complete Guide for Learner Drivers
T-junctions, crossroads, emerging, and turning — what the rules are, how to read a junction before you reach it, and why junctions account for more test failures than anything else.
7 min read
Junctions are the single biggest source of faults on the UK driving test. Not roundabouts, not manoeuvres — junctions. The reason is simple: they require you to assess a situation, make a decision, and act on it, all while managing speed, position, observation, and signalling at the same time.
The core principle: when emerging onto a major road, you must give way to traffic already on it. You are on the minor road — you wait until it is safe, then go. Every junction decision follows from this.
The Approach Routine: MSPSL
Use the same mirror–signal–position–speed–look routine at every junction, every time. It becomes automatic with practice and ensures you never arrive at a junction unprepared.
M
Mirrors
Check centre and relevant door mirror before doing anything else.
S
Signal
Signal if turning. Left turns signal on approach; right turns signal early.
P
Position
Move to the correct lane or road position for the turn you are making.
S
Speed
Reduce to a speed appropriate for what you can see. Slow for closed junctions.
L
Look
Look into the junction early, assess the situation, decide before you arrive.
T-junction layout
Top-down view. The major road runs left–right. The minor road enters from the bottom. The dashed line at the junction is the give-way line.
Open vs Closed Junctions
Before you reach a junction, look into it. What you can see determines how fast you should arrive.
Open junction
You can see clearly in both directions well before you reach the give-way line. If you can confirm it is safe, you can keep your speed up and flow through without stopping — but you must still be in full control and ready to stop if anything changes.
Closed junction
Your view is obstructed — by a wall, parked cars, a hedge, or a bend. You must approach slowly enough that you can stop at the give-way line. Creep forward until you can see, then go when it is safe.
Turning Left at a T-Junction
Signal left · look right · go when clear
Turning left is the simpler of the two T-junction turns. You are joining the nearer lane of the major road and crossing no oncoming traffic. You still need to look right for a safe gap before going.
Green path shows the left turn. Signal left before the give-way line.
What to do
- ✓Signal left as you approach — before the give-way line
- ✓Position to the left of your lane (or keep left if single lane)
- ✓Slow down on approach — close junctions require a near stop
- ✓Look right before pulling out — traffic on the major road has priority
- ✓Emerge smoothly into the left lane and cancel your signal
Common faults
- ✕Emerging without looking — pulling out based on a quick glance rather than a proper check
- ✕Turning too wide — swinging into the right lane on the major road
- ✕Not signalling, or signalling too late after the give-way line
Turning Right at a T-Junction
Signal right · look both ways · cross when clear in both directions
Turning right is significantly more complex. You are crossing the oncoming lane of the major road before joining the far lane. You need a gap in traffic coming from both the right and the left — and both directions must be clear at the same time before you go.
Red car = oncoming traffic you must cross. You need a gap in both directions before going.
What to do
- ✓Signal right on your approach
- ✓Stop at the give-way line if there is any doubt — do not creep into the path of traffic
- ✓Look right first (oncoming traffic crosses your path), then left, then right again
- ✓Only go when you have a safe gap in both directions simultaneously
- ✓Aim for the near side of the far lane — do not overshoot into the wrong lane
Common faults
- ✕Going on a gap that is too small — misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- ✕Only checking one direction — forgetting to check left for traffic going right
- ✕Positioning too far forward at the give-way line, obscuring your view further
- ✕Arriving at the junction too fast to stop safely if needed
If in doubt, wait. A small delay at a give-way line is not a fault. Emerging into the path of oncoming traffic is a serious or dangerous fault. The examiner would far rather see you wait an extra few seconds than take a gap that forces another driver to brake.
Crossroads
Four-way junctions — controlled and uncontrolled
A crossroads is where two roads cross. Most crossroads on test routes are controlled — traffic lights, a stop sign, or a give-way sign will tell you who has priority. A minority are uncontrolled, meaning no signs or markings. The rules differ.
At an unmarked crossroads, give way to traffic from the right. The amber arc shows the direction to check first.
Controlled crossroads
Follow whatever controls are present — traffic lights, stop lines, give-way markings. A stop line means you must stop even if it appears clear. A give-way line means slow and give way if necessary. Don't second-guess the signs.
Uncontrolled crossroads
No markings, no signals — treat with extra caution. Give way to traffic from the right as a guide, but treat it as a hazard and be prepared to give way to everyone until you are sure it is safe. These junctions require good all-round observation.
Turning right at crossroads
When two vehicles are both turning right at a crossroads, the recommended approach is offside-to-offside (passing in front of each other). This keeps oncoming traffic in view throughout the turn. Nearside-to-nearside (passing behind each other) is also used and is not wrong, but it briefly blocks your view of oncoming traffic — be aware of this.
Emerging vs Turning In
There is an important distinction between emerging (leaving a minor road onto a major road) and turning in (leaving a major road to enter a minor one). The rules are different.
Emerging (minor → major)
You must give way. Stop or slow to a safe speed. Look properly before going. Do not assume the road is clear from a quick glance.
Turning in (major → minor)
You are on the major road and turning into a side road. You still need to check mirrors, signal, and look out for pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into. Pedestrians already crossing have priority.
Common Faults at Junctions
Observation — the most common fault of all
Not looking properly before emerging. A glance is not enough. You need to see the road clearly, process whether there is a safe gap, and confirm it is still safe as you actually move. Many candidates look, find a gap, then look forward — and don't look again as they go.
Emerging too slowly
Hesitating when a clear gap presents itself is also a fault. If it is safe to go, go. Sitting at a give-way line when the road is clear causes following traffic to bunch up and can itself be marked as hesitation.
Cutting corners on left turns
When turning left into a side road, learners often cut across the corner of the pavement. Keep wide enough on approach that your rear wheels don't clip the kerb, then tighten into the left lane of the new road.
Swinging out on right turns
When turning right out of a side road onto a major road, some learners swing left first to give themselves more room. This puts the car in oncoming traffic before the turn. Stay in your lane and make a clean right turn from there.
Related Guides
Roundabouts Guide
How to approach, navigate, and exit every type of UK roundabout — the priority rule, signalling, lane discipline, mini roundabouts, spiral roundabouts, and the mistakes that catch learners out.
Test Manoeuvres Explained
The four manoeuvres used in the UK driving test — what each one involves, how it's marked, the most common faults, and exactly what the examiner is looking for.
Test Day Checklist
What to bring, what to expect at the test centre, what happens the moment you pass or don't pass — everything you need for the day of your practical driving test.
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