Chapter 4: Junctions, Roundabouts & Right of Way

Why Junctions Matter

Junctions are where the majority of road traffic collisions occur in the UK. According to Department for Transport data, over 70% of reported accidents happen at or near junctions. For learner drivers in Manchester, junction handling is the single most important skill to master — both for passing your driving test and for staying safe once you have your licence.

Manchester’s road network contains thousands of junctions of every type: T-junctions, crossroads, staggered junctions, roundabouts, mini-roundabouts, traffic light controlled junctions, and complex multi-lane intersections. DriveSQ instructors dedicate significant lesson time to junction practice because competent junction handling builds confidence across all aspects of driving.

The MSPSL Routine

MSPSL stands for Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look. This is the systematic routine you must follow at every junction, every time. It is not optional — your driving examiner will assess your use of MSPSL throughout your test, and failing to follow it is one of the most common reasons for test failure.

Mirror

Check your interior mirror and the relevant door mirror before you signal or change position. This tells you what is behind and beside you. If a vehicle is close behind, you need to brake earlier and more gently. If a cyclist is alongside, you need to be aware of their position before you change lane or turn.

Signal

Signal your intention in good time — early enough to warn other road users, but not so early that it could be misinterpreted (e.g., signalling left before a side road you are not turning into). On approach to a roundabout, signal left if taking the first exit, no signal if going straight ahead (then signal left after passing the exit before yours), and signal right if turning right or going beyond the straight-ahead exit.

Position

Position your car correctly for the direction you intend to travel. For a left turn, keep to the left of your lane. For a right turn, position towards the centre of the road (without crossing the centre line). On multi-lane roundabouts, select the correct lane based on your exit — left lane for left exits and straight ahead, right lane for right turns and U-turns.

Speed

Reduce your speed appropriately for the junction. This may mean slowing to 10–15mph for a clear Give Way junction, or coming to a complete stop at a Stop sign or red traffic light. Use engine braking by changing down through the gears as you slow. On approach to a roundabout, be in the correct gear (usually 2nd) before you reach the give way line.

Look

The final and most critical step. Look effectively in all relevant directions before committing to the junction. At a T-junction, look right-left-right. At a crossroads, look in all four directions. At a roundabout, look to the right for approaching traffic. Your decision to proceed must be based on what you see, not assumptions.

Types of Junctions in Manchester

T-Junctions

The most common junction type. You are either emerging from a minor road onto a major road, or passing a side road on a major road. When emerging, you have two options:

• Open junction (good visibility) — You may be able to slow and emerge without stopping if the road is clearly empty. Approach in 2nd gear, ready to stop if needed
• Closed junction (limited visibility) — You must creep forward slowly, using the “peep and creep” technique to see past obstructions like walls, hedges, or parked cars. Be prepared to stop

Crossroads

Where two roads cross. Crossroads require extra caution because traffic can approach from four directions. Unmarked crossroads (with no signs or markings to indicate priority) are particularly dangerous — no one has right of way, and you must proceed with extreme caution. Manchester has several unmarked crossroads in residential areas.

Roundabouts

Manchester uses roundabouts extensively. The basic rule is: give way to traffic approaching from your right. However, lane selection, signalling, and positioning vary depending on the roundabout size and your intended exit.

Mini-Roundabouts

Identified by a small blue circle painted on the road or a small blue sign. The same rules apply as standard roundabouts — give way to the right. However, due to their small size, traffic may pass through quickly and from unexpected angles. Manchester has hundreds of mini-roundabouts, especially in residential areas like Didsbury, Chorlton, and Withington.

Roundabout Lane Selection

Correct lane selection at roundabouts is one of the most commonly examined skills on the driving test. The general rule is:

Your Exit	Approach Lane	Signal On Approach	Signal When Leaving
First exit (turning left)	Left lane	Left signal	Stay signalling left
Straight ahead	Left lane (unless marked otherwise)	No signal	Left signal after passing exit before yours
Third exit or beyond (turning right)	Right lane	Right signal	Left signal after passing exit before yours
Full circle (U-turn)	Right lane	Right signal	Left signal after passing exit before yours

Important: Road markings and signs at the roundabout always override the general rule. Many Manchester roundabouts have specific lane markings that differ from the default. Always follow the road markings painted on the approach.

Challenging Manchester Roundabouts

DriveSQ instructors specifically prepare learners for these notoriously tricky Manchester roundabouts:

• Kingsway/Parrs Wood roundabout — A busy multi-lane roundabout near Didsbury test centre. Lane discipline here is critical, and examiners frequently test candidates on this route
• A56/Broadway roundabout — Heavy traffic from multiple directions requires confident lane selection and assertive merging
• Princess Parkway roundabouts — The series of roundabouts along Princess Parkway require rapid lane changes and early positioning
• Stockport Road/Kingsway — Complex traffic patterns with high volumes of turning traffic

Right of Way Rules

Understanding priority is essential for safe junction navigation:

• Give Way (inverted triangle sign) — You must give way to traffic on the major road. You may proceed without stopping if the road is clear
• Stop sign (octagon) — You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, even if the road appears empty. Failure to stop is a serious driving test fault and a legal offence
• Traffic lights — Red means stop. Amber means stop unless unsafe to do so. Green means go if the way is clear (green does not mean “go regardless”)
• Unmarked junctions — Nobody has automatic priority. Proceed with extreme caution, making eye contact with other drivers if possible
• Pedestrian priority at junctions — Since the 2022 Highway Code update, drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions you are turning into or out of

Common Junction Faults on the Driving Test

These are the most frequent junction-related faults that DriveSQ instructors work to eliminate before test day:

1. Inadequate observation — Not looking effectively before emerging. This is a serious fault if it affects another road user
2. Wrong lane selection at roundabouts — Approaching in the wrong lane or failing to follow road markings
3. Incorrect signalling — Late signals, no signals, or misleading signals at junctions and roundabouts
4. Emerging when unsafe — Pulling out in front of approaching traffic, causing them to slow or swerve
5. Stopping when unnecessary — Coming to a complete stop at a clear Give Way junction (excessive hesitation)
6. Stalling at junctions — Lifting the clutch too quickly under pressure at a junction. Stalling once is a minor fault; stalling repeatedly or in a dangerous position can be serious