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Junctions
Explained

The MSPSL routine, turning left and right, emerging, crossroads and box junctions.

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Learner driver waiting to emerge at a T-junction

Junctions are where most things happen on the road, and they’re behind several of the most common driving test faults. With a clear routine, they soon become second nature.

The routine: MSPSL

For every junction, use the MSPSL routine: Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look:

  1. Mirrors: check what’s behind and beside you.
  2. Signal: signal clearly and in good time, if it would help anyone.
  3. Position: move into the correct position for where you’re going.
  4. Speed: slow down to the right speed, and choose the right gear.
  5. Look: look in all directions, then decide whether it’s safe to go.

Turning left

  • Keep well to the left, and signal well before you turn.
  • Don’t overtake just before turning left.
  • Watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians on your left.
  • Give way to anything using a bus lane, cycle lane or cycle track you’re crossing.

Turning right

  • Position just left of the middle of the road, or in the right-turn lane.
  • Wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic.
  • Look out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
  • Don’t cut the corner.

Emerging from a junction

  • Give way lines (broken white lines): you must give way to traffic on the main road.
  • Stop lines (a solid white line and a Stop sign): you must stop behind the line, even if the road looks clear.
  • Look all around, and only go when there’s a gap big enough to join safely.
  • If your view is blocked, creep forward slowly and keep looking.

Pedestrians have priority

Give way to pedestrians crossing, or waiting to cross, the road you’re turning into or out of. If they’ve already started crossing, they have priority.

Crossroads

When you and an oncoming car are both turning right, you can pass right side to right side, keeping the other car on your right, or left side to left side. Left side to left side can block your view of oncoming traffic, so take extra care. Watch the other driver to see which way they’re going.

Box junctions and traffic lights

  • Box junctions (yellow criss-cross lines): you must not enter until your exit is clear. You can wait in the box if you’re turning right and only held up by oncoming traffic.
  • Traffic lights: you must stop at the white line on red. On amber, stop unless you’ve already crossed the line or are too close to stop safely.
  • Advanced stop lines: stop at the first white line, leaving the box in front for cyclists.

Poor observation at junctions is one of the most common reasons people fail their test. See the most common reasons people fail, and for roundabouts, read roundabouts explained.

Sources: GOV.UK: The Highway Code, rules 170 to 183.

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