Confusion for Experienced and Beginner Drivers

There is much confusion amongst all drivers, both experienced and beginner, on how to handle right turns at traffic lights. However, it is one of the most critical driving skills to master for a young driver, as the consequences of an incorrect decision can be catastrophic.

Most drivers are familiar with the simple rules, if the right turning arrow is red, you don’t go; if the arrow is green, you can proceed (with caution!). However, many of our learners get it wrong when there is no arrow at all. Unfortunately, a good percentage see the light they are facing turn green and begin their turn into the path of oncoming traffic (thank heavens for the dual control pedals!).

Where Should You Wait?

Experienced drivers know that the correct thing to do is to wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before making a right hand turn. What is less well known is where you should wait for that safe gap to appear. The correct place to wait for the safe gap in oncoming traffic is forward of the stop line in the intersection. This way, if the oncoming traffic continues until the light turns yellow (or even red), the turn may be completed on the yellow or red light. To be in the “intersection” the car must be far enough forward to be in line with traffic that would be approaching from your right.

Steering Straight Ahead

It is important to note that it is only allowable to do this when conditions are safe and only the first vehicle should move forward into the intersection.  Also, it is important to remember as you move forward that you should keep your steering straight ahead. If your steering is turned to the right and the car behind bumps into you, you will be shunted into the path of the oncoming traffic.

The ability to turn right at a traffic light which has no right arrow correctly is one of the most important skills we believe a learner driver needs to have prior to sitting their licence test and we make sure that every one of our customers can perform such a turn safely.

If you’d like to know more about this blog or any aspect of our training, contact us for further information.

When driving in unfamiliar areas, it can be quite difficult to know which lane to be in approaching various intersections, especially multi-laned roundabouts.  With the help of a couple of illustrations, hopefully we can make this easier for you.

McDowall Roundabout

The first image is of a sign approaching the intersection of Rode Rd, Queens Rd and Old Northern Rd in McDowall. As you look at the image, notice that there are two thick lines which represent the two lanes that enter the roundabout.

The line on the left (indicating an approach in the left lane) shows that it is legal to exit into either Rode Rd (1^st exit) or Old Northern Rd (2^nd exit).

The line on the right (indicating an approach in the right lane) shows that it is legal to exit into either Old Northern Rd (2^nd exit), Queens Rd (3^rd exit) or Old Northern Rd (4^th exit).

It is important to note that if you intend to take the second exit into Old Northern Rd towards Everton Park/City, entering the roundabout in the left lane will require you to exit into the left lane as you leave the roundabout.  Entering in the right lane will require you to exit into the right lane as you leave the roundabout. Changing lanes within the roundabout is both illegal and dangerous!

Rothwell Roundabout

The second image is taken on Anzac Ave heading from Mango Hill towards the roundabout at Rothwell.  Notice on this picture that there is three lanes entering the roundabout, so care must be taken to enter the roundabout in the correct lane.

The left most line, shows that this is the only lane into which a turn into McGahey St (1^st exit) can be made. It is also the lane to be in if you wish to enter the left lane of Deception Bay Road (2^nd exit).

The middle line, shows that this is the lane to be in if you wish to enter into the right lane of Deception Bay Rd (2^nd exit) or the left lane of Anzac Ave (3^rd exit).

The right most line shows only one path that may be travelled and that is a turn into the right lane of Anzac Ave (3^rd exit) heading towards Redcliffe.  As with all roundabouts, this right lane is also the only lane to be in if you wish to make a U-Turn at the roundabout.

Changing Lanes on a Roundabout

Once again, changing lanes within the roundabout itself is both illegal and dangerous. If you are unlucky enough to be in the lane that does not take you where you want to go, it is always a better option to exit the roundabout safely, find somewhere to turn around and approach the roundabout again (hopefully in the correct lane this time). Any time lost in doing this is a small price to pay for remaining safe on the roads.

If you’d like to know more about this blog or any aspect of our training, contact us for further information.