Intersections are one of the highest-risk areas on the road. A large percentage of collisions occur at intersections due to failure to yield, inattention, or misunderstanding right-of-way rules. Knowing how to properly approach and navigate different types of intersections is essential for both passing the driving test and driving safely in everyday situations.

1. Scan and Prepare Before Entering

As you approach any intersection:

• Reduce speed and cover the brake

• Check traffic signals, signs, and lane markings

• Look left, right, and left again

• Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and turning vehicles

Best practice: Always anticipate that another driver may make a mistake, even if you have the right-of-way.

2. Right-of-Way Rules

Understanding right-of-way is critical and commonly tested on the California driving exam.

4-Way Stop Intersections

• The first vehicle to stop has the right-of-way

• If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first

• If facing another vehicle directly, the driver going straight has priority over a turning vehicle

T-Intersections

• Vehicles on the through road have the right-of-way

• Vehicles on the terminating road must yield

Pedestrians

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked

California DMV Requirement: Failing to yield to a pedestrian is a serious violation and can result in an automatic test failure.

3. Traffic Signals and What They Really Mean

Green Light

• Proceed only if the intersection is clear

• Yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection

Yellow Light

• Indicates the light is about to turn red

• You must stop if it is safe to do so

• Do not accelerate to “beat the light”

Red Light

• Come to a complete stop behind the limit line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection

• Check for pedestrians and traffic before moving

Right Turn on Red

• Allowed unless a sign prohibits it

• Must come to a full stop first

• Yield to all traffic and pedestrians

4. Left Turns: High-Risk Movement

Left turns are one of the most dangerous actions at intersections.

You must yield to:

• All oncoming traffic

• Pedestrians crossing your path

Only turn when there is a safe gap. Do not rush or assume other drivers will slow down.

Driving test tip: Rolling forward too aggressively or misjudging gaps can result in point deductions or failure.

5. Uncontrolled Intersections

These intersections have no signs or signals.

Drivers must:

• Slow down and be ready to stop

• Yield to vehicles already in the intersection

• Yield to the vehicle on the right if arriving at the same time

Best practice: Treat uncontrolled intersections with extra caution—they are unpredictable.

6. Lane Positioning and Turns

• Stay in the correct lane before entering the intersection

• Do not change lanes in the middle of an intersection

• Turn into the appropriate lane (right turn → right lane, left turn → left lane unless multiple lanes are allowed)

Improper lane usage is a common mistake during driving tests.

7. Special Situations to Watch For

• Blocked intersections: Never enter if traffic prevents you from clearing it

• Emergency vehicles: Yield and stop when necessary

• Cyclists: Treat them as vehicles; give space and yield when required

• School zones: Expect sudden stops and pedestrian crossings