Free driving lesson tutorial

Junctions

How to approach, turn at and emerge from junctions safely — with the MSPSL routine and real examples from the roads around Newton Abbot.

What to look for on approach

On the approach to any junction, gather the information that will help you navigate it safely:

•What type of junction is it?
•How much traffic is there?
•Are there any warning signs?
•What road markings are there?
•Is it a “give way” or a “stop” junction?
•Is it controlled by traffic lights?

Approaching a junction on a driving lesson

The M.S.P.S.L routine

Mirrors

Check your mirrors to assess how your actions will affect the vehicles behind — and how they might affect you.

Signal

Signal in good time, before you start to slow down — but avoid signalling so early that it could be misread by other road users.

Position

Choose the correct position for the junction in good time. Your position is itself a signal to others about where you’re going.

Speed

Choose a speed that lets you control the car and assess the junction, and match your gear to that speed.

Look

Look for other traffic and hazards. Assess the situation, decide whether to go or wait, then act on your decision.

Turning left

Approach in your normal driving position — don't swing to the right for a better angle, as this can be dangerous for oncoming vehicles and anyone overtaking you.

Choose an appropriate speed (some corners are sharp) and match your gear to it. Watch out for parked vehicles near the junction — they may push you, or approaching drivers, onto the other side of the road.

Watch for pedestrians already crossing the road you're turning into — they have priority — and for pedestrians approaching to cross who may not have seen you. Look for cyclists coming up on your left before turning, particularly if there's a cycle or bus lane.

After turning, check your mirrors and build your speed back up when it's safe.

Turning right

Position as close to the centre of the road as is safe, so vehicles can pass on your left if there's room. Take into account parked vehicles on the right-hand side, which give oncoming cars less space.

Give way to oncoming traffic. Try to time your approach so you arrive at your point of turn as a gap appears — keeping the car moving smoothly is easier and more fuel-efficient than stopping unnecessarily.

Watch for pedestrians already crossing (they have priority), and for parked cars in the new road that might mean crossing the centre line. You must not cross the centre line until you're sure it's safe — slow down and check into the new road for oncoming vehicles before you turn.

Emerging from a junction

Emerging means joining a new road from a junction — and it's all about judging the speed and distance of traffic on the road you're joining. First, read the junction: is it a give way or a stop junction? Is it open (good visibility on approach) or closed (visibility blocked)? That determines your approach speed.

Give way junctions

Wait for any traffic you would cause to change speed or direction if you pulled out. Approach slowly, giving yourself time to assess, creeping the car forward if necessary.

Stop junctions

You must stop — these junctions generally have low visibility or another hazard needing extra time. Approach slowly, stop fully, and only move off once you have a clear view and you're certain it's safe. Myth buster: you don't have to apply the handbrake at a stop junction — only if you'd normally want it.

Positioning

For a left emerge, follow the path of the road. For a right emerge, position just left of the centre line.

Deciding when to go

Your decision depends on your field of vision — which can be blocked by buildings, parked cars and bends. Creeping forward increases your view, and those last few feet are crucial. Never rush this decision: junctions are a flash point for accidents. Only go once you're sure it's safe.