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  1. Home
  2. Learn to Drive
  3. Skills
  4. Junctions
MASTERING COMPLEX ROAD ENCOUNTERS

Navigating JunctionsYour Crossroads to Confidence

Junctions are where many driving challenges occur. Learn the skills to approach, enter, and exit all types of junctions safely and confidently.

Why Junction Mastery is Key to Safe Driving

Junctions are critical points on any road. They are where vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists often converge, making them hotspots for potential hazards. Mastering how to navigate them effectively demonstrates your ability to observe, anticipate, and control your vehicle in complex situations - a crucial skill for both your driving test and everyday safety.

Reduce Risk

Minimise the chance of collisions by making correct observations and decisions.

Communicate Clearly

Use positioning and signals to show your intentions to other road users.

Test Success

Junctions are a significant part of the driving test; confident navigation is essential.

Common Types of Junctions

T

T-Junctions

A minor road meets a major road at a right angle, forming a 'T' shape.

Crossroads

Two roads intersect, often with traffic lights or priority signs.

Staggered Junctions

One road meets another, but the side roads are offset from each other.

Box Junctions

Marked with yellow criss-cross lines to prevent gridlock (covered in Skill 12).

The IPSGA Routine: Approaching Any Junction

The IPSGA (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate) routine is your consistent approach for every junction.

i Information

  • Look well ahead for signs, road markings, and road layout.
  • Check mirrors (interior, left/right) for following traffic.
  • Anticipate potential hazards (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles emerging).

P Position, S Speed, G Gear

  • Position: Move into the correct lane early. For left turns, stay close to the left. For right turns, move towards the centre.
  • Speed: Adjust your speed early. Cover the brake, and be prepared to stop.
  • Gear: Select the correct gear for your speed and the turn you intend to make (usually 1st or 2nd).

A Accelerate

  • Once you've made your final observations and determined it's safe, accelerate smoothly through the junction.
  • Ensure your acceleration is progressive and controlled, allowing you to deal with any unexpected events.

Turning & Emerging from Junctions

Turning Left

  • Apply the IPSGA routine.
  • Position yourself close to the left-hand kerb.
  • Signal left in good time.
  • Maintain a slow, steady speed, ready to stop.
  • Look into the new road as you turn, checking for hazards like pedestrians.

Turning Right

  • Apply the IPSGA routine.
  • Position yourself towards the centre of the road (or the rightmost lane for turning right).
  • Signal right in good time.
  • Wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic. Keep your wheels straight to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from behind.
  • Look into the new road as you turn.

Emerging from a Junction (Give Way / Stop)

  • Give Way: Slow down, prepare to stop, and give way to all traffic on the main road. Only proceed when the road is clear.
  • Stop Sign: You MUST stop completely at the white line, even if the road appears clear. Then, proceed when safe, treating it like a Give Way junction.
  • Observations: Crucial at emerging junctions. Look left, right, left again, and check blind spots for cyclists/pedestrians.

Key Takeaways

IPSGA is Your Friend

Apply the Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate routine consistently at every junction.

Observe, Observe, Observe

Thorough and continuous observations are vital for safety and making correct decisions.

Communicate Clearly

Use signals and road positioning to clearly indicate your intentions to other road users.

Stay Calm & Confident

Approach junctions with confidence, but always be prepared to stop if needed.