Most junction questions on the theory test are really one question in disguise: who goes first? Ireland has clear rules, but "right of way" is a phrase to be careful with — you are rarely entitled to force your way through. Priority is something other road users give you, and something you must be ready to give up to avoid a collision.
STOP vs. YIELD
These two signs are the backbone of junction priority.
- STOP (red octagon): you must bring the car to a complete stop at the line, even if the road looks empty. Only move off when you can see it is safe. A rolling "nearly-stop" is still a failure to stop.
- YIELD / Give Way (inverted red triangle): you do not have to stop if the way is genuinely clear, but you must slow down, be ready to stop, and give priority to traffic on the road you are entering. If in doubt, stop.
The difference is visibility and risk. STOP is used where you cannot see well enough to judge a gap safely; YIELD is used where you usually can.
Uncontrolled junctions
Where there are no signs or markings:
- Traffic on a major road has priority over traffic emerging from a minor road.
- At a genuine crossroads with no priority marked, no one has automatic right of way — you proceed with great care, make eye contact, and yield to whoever is committed. Never assume the other driver will stop.
- When turning right, you give way to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a favourite exam topic because several rules apply at once.
- Give way to traffic already on the roundabout — that is, traffic coming from your right.
- Choose your lane before you enter, based on your exit:
- Turning left (first exit): approach in the left lane, signal left.
- Going straight ahead: normally the left lane, no signal on approach, then signal left after you pass the exit before yours.
- Turning right or going more than halfway round: approach in the right lane, signal right, and change to a left signal once you have passed the exit before the one you want.
- Watch for cyclists and motorcyclists, who may keep to the left even when going all the way round, and for large vehicles that need more than one lane.
Get into the habit of signalling your exit — it tells everyone behind and beside you what you are about to do.
Yellow box junctions
A yellow criss-cross box painted on the road means you must not enter unless your exit is clear, so you never end up stranded and blocking cross-traffic. The one exception: you may wait inside the box when you are turning right and are only being held up by oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians and priority
Priority is not only about cars. At a junction, a pedestrian who has already started to cross the road you are turning into has priority — you must wait. At a zebra crossing, pedestrians have priority once they step on. Giving way to people on foot is a rule, not a courtesy.
Emergency vehicles
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, you must make way as safely as you can — pull to the left and stop if needed — but never break other rules to do it, such as entering a yellow box, mounting a footpath, or crossing a red light into a junction.
### Exam focus - STOP = complete stop, always. YIELD = give priority, stop only if needed. - On a roundabout, give way to traffic coming from your right. - Straight ahead on a roundabout ≈ left lane, signal left after the exit before yours. - Right turn / past halfway ≈ right lane, signal right then switch to left. - Don't enter a yellow box unless your exit is clear (right-turn exception aside). - Give way to a pedestrian already crossing the road you turn into.