Junctions, Roundabouts & Crossings: Navigate Safely
Junctions and roundabouts are where the most driving test faults occur. Getting these three skills right is critical for passing — and for safe driving for life.
Observation, lane selection, timing, and signalling all come together at junctions. Examiners watch these moments closely on every test.
Track Your Junction ProgressJunctions
Junctions — T-junctions, crossroads, and box junctions — require combining everything: mirrors, signals, speed, positioning, and observation. They're where most serious collisions happen.
The MSPSL routine
- MMirrors — interior and relevant door mirror
- SSignal — indicate your intention
- PPosition — move to correct lane position
- SSpeed — reduce to appropriate speed for the junction
- LLook — LADA (Look, Assess, Decide, Act) at the junction
The 5 levels for Skill 14
- 1 Introduced: Instructor guides through every junction
- 2 Helped: Attempts MSPSL with significant help
- 3 Prompted: Handles familiar junctions; needs prompts for busy or unusual ones
- 4 Independent: Navigates all junction types confidently and safely
- 5 Reflection: Reads junction type and traffic flow in advance; adapts seamlessly
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are consistently one of the most common places for driving test faults. Lane selection, timing, and signalling at roundabouts are all closely assessed.
Roundabout basics
- ✓1st exit (turning left): Left lane, signal left on approach, keep signal on
- ✓2nd exit (going straight): Left lane usually, no signal on approach, signal left after passing 1st exit
- ✓3rd+ exit (turning right): Right lane, signal right on approach, signal left after passing exit before yours
- ✓Mini roundabouts: Same rules, but you must go around the white circle (not over it if possible)
- ✓Give way to traffic from the right — wait for a safe gap before entering
The 5 levels for Skill 15
- 1 Introduced: Instructor selects lane and guides timing
- 2 Helped: Attempts roundabout with considerable help
- 3 Prompted: Handles standard roundabouts; prompts for multi-lane or spiral
- 4 Independent: Navigates all roundabout types independently
- 5 Reflection: Reads road signs and lane markings early; plans lane well in advance
Pedestrian Crossings
There are several types of pedestrian crossing in the UK. Each has slightly different rules, and examiners test your knowledge of them during the practical test.
Types of crossing
- ✓Zebra: Give way to anyone on or waiting at the crossing
- ✓Pelican: Stop on red, proceed on flashing amber only if crossing is clear
- ✓Puffin: Sensors detect pedestrians — no flashing amber; wait for green
- ✓Toucan: For cyclists and pedestrians — wider crossing
- ✓Pegasus: Includes horses — push-button higher up
The 5 levels for Skill 16
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains each crossing type
- 2 Helped: Responds to crossings when pointed out
- 3 Prompted: Recognises most crossings; occasional uncertainty on type
- 4 Independent: Identifies and responds correctly to all crossing types
- 5 Reflection: Anticipates crossings ahead; gives way confidently and safely
Tracking Progress Across Skills 14–16
Introduced
Following instructor guidance
Helped
Improving with assistance
Prompted
Mostly independent, occasional prompts
Independent
Consistent, confident performance
Reflection
Understands the why — test ready
Your instructor records your level on each skill after every lesson. Aim for Level 5 on all 27 skills before booking your test.
Track Your Junction & Roundabout Progress
See your level on every skill after each lesson. Know exactly which skills to focus on to pass your test.
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