How to Deal with Crossroads: A Guide for Learner Drivers
Crossroads are a crucial part of driving and can be complex, especially for new drivers. Understanding how to approach, navigate, and handle crossroads safely is essential for passing your driving test and becoming a responsible driver. The MSPSL routine (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) should always be used when approaching crossroads to ensure a smooth and controlled experience.
Let’s dive into the different types of crossroads, how to deal with them, and some tips to keep you safe on the road.
The Main Types of Crossroads
1. Uncontrolled Crossroads
Uncontrolled crossroads are the most dangerous because there are no traffic lights, signs, or road markings to dictate which driver has priority. No one has the right of way, which can make these junctions confusing and risky.
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How to Approach: As always, follow the MSPSL routine. Check your mirrors, signal if necessary, position yourself correctly, adjust your speed, and make thorough observations.
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Key Points: Since no one has priority, you must make eye contact with other drivers approaching from the opposite direction. If you are in doubt or unsure whether it’s safe to proceed, hold back and wait until you can clearly see it is safe to go.
2. Controlled Crossroads
Controlled crossroads have either give-way or stop lines that clearly indicate who has the right of way. Occasionally, you may find stop signs at these junctions, and you must stop completely at these lines regardless of whether the road looks clear.
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How to Approach: When approaching a controlled crossroad, use the MSPSL routine and reduce your speed in good time. Check for the give-way or stop line and, if necessary, come to a complete stop.
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At Stop Junctions: Be extra cautious when emerging from stop junctions, as these are often placed where visibility is poor. After stopping, apply the handbrake if needed, make thorough observations, and only move when you’re sure it’s safe.
3. Traffic Light-Controlled Crossroads
These crossroads are controlled by traffic lights, making them more straightforward but requiring careful observation and quick reactions.
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How to Approach: As you approach the lights, use the MSPSL routine to ensure you’re in the correct lane and are signalling appropriately. If you need to stop, check your door mirrors, especially for cyclists and motorcyclists filtering through traffic.
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Key Points: Follow the light sequence carefully, and don’t assume the green light means it’s safe to go—always check for vehicles or pedestrians who may have jumped the light. Be aware that sometimes the lights may be out of service, in which case the junction acts like an uncontrolled crossroad.
4. Crossroads with Yellow Box Junctions
Box junctions are used at busy crossroads to prevent gridlock. You must not enter the yellow box unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic.
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How to Approach: As always, check your mirrors, reduce your speed, and plan ahead. Before entering the box junction, ensure there’s enough space to exit it without stopping.
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Key Points: If you are turning right, you can enter the box junction and wait if you are being blocked by oncoming traffic. However, make sure the box isn’t blocked by stationary vehicles from another lane or direction.
Dealing with Crossroads from a Major Road
Dealing with Crossroads from a Minor Road
When driving on a major road and approaching a crossroad, it’s important to remain alert and vigilant.
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Glance Right and Left:
Even if you have priority, it’s good practice to quickly glance to the right and left to check for vehicles emerging from the minor road. -
Turning Right:
If another vehicle is also turning right from the opposite direction, use the offside to offside rule(explained below). If the road is too narrow, you may need to use the nearside to nearside method.
Crossing Traffic on 30mph Roads
A useful rule of thumb: if you feel you could walk across the road safely, you can drive across it safely. However, if you are unsure, wait and observe. Never rush a right-hand turn at a crossroad.
Approaching from a minor road is similar to emerging from a T-junction, but there are extra considerations due to the presence of a crossroad.
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Use the MSPSL Routine: The same routine applies—check your mirrors, signal, position yourself correctly, adjust your speed, and make thorough observations.
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Observations: When looking at a crossroad, the minimum observations required are right, left, ahead, and right again before pulling out. In many cases, you may need to repeat these checks if visibility is restricted.
Offside to Offside vs Nearside to Nearside
Offside to Offside
Offside to offside means that both vehicles turning right pass each other on the far side. This is the safest method because it gives you and the other driver a clear view of oncoming traffic.
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Key Points: If the crossroads are wide enough, always opt for offside to offside turning. This gives both vehicles better visibility of oncoming traffic and minimises the risk of collision.
Nearside to Nearside
Nearside to nearside is a more dangerous method of turning right because it restricts visibility. In this situation, you pass in front of the other vehicle turning right, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic.
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Key Points: Use nearside to nearside only when absolutely necessary, such as when the roads are narrow. If you can’t see clearly into the road, make eye contact with the other driver and try to establish who will turn first. If in doubt, always hold back.
Top Test Tips for Crossroads
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Keep Observations Constant: Whether you're approaching from a minor or major road, keep your observations going—right, left, ahead, and right again.
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Watch for Corner Cutters: On your driving test, especially in busy areas like London, be aware of other drivers cutting the corner when turning right. If you see this happening, stop before the give way line to avoid a collision.
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Prepare to Stop: Always approach crossroads with caution and be prepared to stop if necessary. Never assume that other road users will follow the rules—stay alert and vigilant.
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Box Junctions: Make sure your exit is clear before entering a yellow box junction. You’re allowed to enter the box when turning right and waiting for oncoming traffic, but only if the exit is clear.
The Road to Success
Crossroads can seem daunting at first, but by following the MSPSL routine and making thorough observations, you can navigate them safely.
Whether dealing with controlled, uncontrolled, or traffic-light-controlled crossroads, preparation and patience are key.
Always ensure you know when it’s safe to proceed and never rush a decision, especially when crossing or turning.
At PASSFAN Driving Lessons, we teach learners how to approach crossroads confidently, ensuring they understand the rules and techniques needed to drive safely in all conditions.
By mastering the techniques for each type of crossroad, you'll not only be ready for your driving test but also equipped to handle everyday driving with ease and safety.