Yield vs right of way
Learn how right of way and priority work in practice, and what you should look for in tasks about intersections and roundabouts.
Post in the Theory Test series
Many people know the names of the signs but make mistakes when they have to decide who actually has to wait. This article helps you distinguish between yielding and priority in practical situations.
If you also want to understand how lights and signs affect priority, read Signals vs signs in traffic .
Two concepts you need to keep separate
| Concept | What does it mean? | What do you do? |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | you must let others go first | brake, assess, stop if necessary |
| Priority | others should normally give way to you | proceed carefully |
Situations that often appear on the test
Yield sign
You must let traffic on the other road go first.
Stop sign
You must come to a complete stop and then yield.
Priority road
You have priority at intersections, but only as long as no higher control like signals or direction applies.### Roundabout
When entering, you usually have to yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
A quick method when you are unsure
- Find the sign
- Look at the markings
- Read the traffic flow
- Consider if anyone needs to change speed or direction for you
Common theory test mistakes
- Believing that the right of way gives “free driving”
- Using the right-hand rule at signposted intersections
- Forgetting to yield when entering a roundabout
- Focusing on cars and overlooking pedestrians
Further reading
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