Junctions – How to Approach and Navigate Safely

Junctions are one of the most common places where accidents occur. The driving examiner will assess your ability to approach and negotiate different types of junctions safely, smoothly, and confidently. If you make a serious fault, such as failing to observe properly or causing another road user to react suddenly, you could fail your test.

Types of Junctions You Must Handle:

  1. T-junctions & Y-junctions – Where one road meets another at a right angle or a Y-shape.
  2. Crossroads – Where two roads cross each other.
  3. Slip Roads – Used when joining or leaving high-speed roads.
  4. Unmarked Junctions – No road markings or signs, requiring extra caution and priority awareness.

Turning Right at a Junction

1. How to Turn Right Safely
  1. Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM): Check your mirrors and signal well in advance.
  2. Position: Move to the right side of your lane without crossing the center line too early.
  3. Speed: Slow down gradually to an appropriate speed for turning.
  4. Look: Observe traffic from all directions, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
  5. Give Way: If turning onto a major road, wait for a safe gap before proceeding.
2. Common Mistakes
  1. Cutting the corner – Turning too sharply, entering the wrong lane.
  2. Positioning too early – Moving to the right too soon, blocking traffic.
  3. Failing to check blind spots – Missing cyclists or pedestrians.
  4. Not waiting for a safe gap – Forcing your way into traffic.
3. Examiner Expectations
  1. Correct MSM and PSL routine.
  2. Smooth and controlled turn without disrupting traffic.
  3. Proper positioning without obstructing other road users.
4. Real-Life Learning from a Failed Test

A learner failed because they turned right at a crossroads but didn’t check for oncoming traffic. Another car had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision.

What could have helped?

  1. Better observations before and during the turn.
  2. Judging the gap in traffic correctly before moving.

Turning Left at a Junction

1. How to Turn Left Safely
  1. MSM Routine: Check mirrors and signal in time.
  2. Positioning: Stay close to the left side of your lane without hitting the kerb.
  3. Slow Down Gradually: Don’t brake suddenly; reduce speed smoothly.
  4. Look for Pedestrians & Cyclists: Especially watch for cyclists passing on your left.
2. Common Mistakes
  1. Swinging too wide – Turning left but drifting into the opposite lane.
  2. Turning too early – Cutting the corner and hitting the kerb.
  3. Not checking for pedestrians – Missing someone crossing at the junction.
3. Examiner Expectations
  1. A smooth, well-positioned left turn.
  2. Good speed control and timely mirror checks.
  3. Awareness of pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Real-Life Learning from a Failed Test

A learner failed because they turned left too early and clipped the kerb. The examiner had to intervene.

What could have helped?

  1. Slower, more controlled steering.
  2. Looking ahead and judging the turn correctly.

Approach Speed at a Junction

1. How to Control Speed Before a Junction
  1. Slow down early – Don’t wait until the last moment to brake.
  2. Use the right gear – If it’s a closed junction (limited visibility), use 1st gear.
  3. Be prepared to stop – If in doubt, slow down enough to stop safely.
2. Common Mistakes
  1. Approaching too fast – Not having enough time to observe.
  2. Braking late – Stopping suddenly and making the car behind react.
  3. Staying in the wrong gear – Making the car struggle or stall.
3. Examiner Expectations
  1. A controlled approach at a safe speed.
  2. Adjusting speed based on visibility and traffic conditions.
  3. No sudden braking or hesitation.
4. Real-Life Learning from a Failed Test

A learner failed because they approached a T-junction too fast and couldn’t stop in time. They rolled over the Give Way line, causing another driver to brake suddenly.

What could have helped?

  1. Slowing down earlier and being prepared to stop.
  2. Looking ahead to anticipate the stop.

Undue Hesitation at a Junction

1. What is Undue Hesitation?
  1. Taking too long to move when it's safe to do so.
  2. Causing unnecessary delays for other drivers.
2. How to Avoid Hesitation
  1. Observe traffic patterns and plan your move early.
  2. If you see a safe gap, go confidently – don’t second-guess yourself.
  3. Trust your judgment and don’t panic.
3. Common Mistakes
  1. Waiting too long when there’s a clear opportunity to move.
  2. Creeping too far forward, blocking pedestrians or cyclists.
  3. Stalling due to nervousness.
4. Examiner Expectations
  1. Making timely and confident decisions.
  2. Not holding up traffic unnecessarily.
5. Real-Life Learning from a Failed Test

A learner failed because they hesitated too long at a roundabout with a clear gap. Other cars behind started honking, and the examiner marked it as a serious fault.

What could have helped?

  1. Practicing judging traffic flow at busy junctions.
  2. Gaining confidence by making quicker decisions.

Observation at Junctions

1. Why is Observation Important?

Failing to look properly is one of the most common reasons for failing the driving test.

2. How to Observe Correctly
  1. Look BOTH ways before emerging from a junction.
  2. Check blind spots for cyclists and pedestrians.
  3. Use the right mirror before turning.
3. Common Mistakes
  1. Not checking both sides before moving out.
  2. Looking too late – by the time you look, it's already dangerous.
  3. Failing to see motorbikes or cyclists coming from a blind spot.
4. Examiner Expectations
  1. Full, effective observation before and during the turn.
  2. Correct use of mirrors and blind-spot checks.
5. Real-Life Learning from a Failed Test

A learner failed because they didn’t check for a cyclist before turning left. The cyclist had to swerve, and the examiner marked it as dangerous driving.

What could have helped?

  1. Checking mirrors and blind spots before moving.
  2. Slower, more cautious approach.