The DTC
Junctions & Hazards8 min read

T-Junctions, Crossroads & Box Junctions

Most serious test faults happen at junctions. Whether it is a simple T-junction, a busy crossroads, or a marked box junction, the examiner wants to see calm, safe decisions.

The full guide

At a T-junction your road ends and you must join another. Whatever direction you turn, traffic on the new road has priority. Your task is to slow down, look both ways, judge the gap, and pull out only when you will not force another driver to brake or swerve.

Crossroads work on similar principles but both roads carry equal priority. Turning right at a crossroads means waiting for oncoming traffic that is going straight or turning left. Do not rush this — impatience at crossroads is one of the fastest ways to earn a serious fault.

Box junctions are marked with yellow cross-hatching. You must not enter the marked area unless your exit is already clear. The one exception is turning right when oncoming traffic is the only thing preventing you from completing the turn — in that case you may wait inside the box.

At every junction, follow the MSM routine: mirrors first, then signal, then move only when safe. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists who may be crossing the road you are joining, especially near shops, schools, and bus stops.

Common faults

  • Pulling out when a driver on the main road has to slow or change course
  • Looking only one way at a T-junction
  • Turning right at a crossroads without waiting for oncoming vehicles
  • Driving into a box junction when the exit is blocked
  • Signalling before checking mirrors
  • Approaching too quickly and misjudging the size of the gap
  • Blocking traffic by emerging into a queue that has nowhere to go

What the examiner looks for

  • You ease off the accelerator early and read the junction from a distance
  • You check mirrors, signal, and then look in both directions before moving
  • You accurately judge how fast approaching traffic is travelling
  • You pull out only when other drivers can continue unaffected
  • You respect box junction markings and only enter when your exit is clear
  • You notice and give way to pedestrians and cyclists near the junction

Quick tips

  1. 1At closed junctions, creep forward until your view opens up — patience beats guessing
  2. 2If you cannot see enough of the road, you cannot go
  3. 3When turning right at a crossroads, wait for a gap you are absolutely sure about
  4. 4Box junction rule: if your exit is not visible and clear, stay out of the box
  5. 5A pedestrian who has started crossing has right of way — let them finish

Common questions about t-junctions, crossroads & box junctions

What is the difference between an open and closed junction?
An open junction gives you a clear view of the main road as you slow down. A closed junction has walls, hedges, or parked vehicles blocking your sight. At closed junctions you must edge forward slowly until you can see far enough to judge the gap safely.
When am I allowed to wait inside a yellow box junction?
Only when turning right and your path is blocked solely by oncoming traffic. If stationary traffic is blocking your exit road, you must not enter the box at all.
How do I deal with parked cars blocking my view?
Ease forward gradually — this is often called the 'peep and creep' technique. Keep your speed down and your eyes moving until you have a clear enough view to make a safe decision.
What is the safest way to judge oncoming speed?
Watch how quickly the vehicle grows larger in your field of view. Rapid growth means high speed. When uncertain, wait. A few extra seconds of patience is always better than pulling out unsafely.
Should I signal even when no other traffic is visible?
Yes. The examiner is assessing your habits, not just your reactions to present danger. Signalling when the road appears empty shows you are thinking about what other road users need to know.
What if traffic is queueing on the road I want to join?
Wait until there is space for your car on the new road before emerging. Blocking a junction by pulling into stationary traffic is a serious fault and causes disruption for everyone.

Ready to put this into practice?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

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T-Junctions, Crossroads & Box Junctions | The DTC