Giving way, roundabouts and intersections in Northern Territory

By the end of this topic you can

• You can apply the rules at stop signs, give way signs and T-intersections.
• You can apply the give way to the right rule at unsigned crossroads.
• You can choose the right lane and signals for a multi-lane roundabout.
• You can merge correctly when lines end and when a lane ends.
• You can decide when to give way to buses, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

What you need to know and understand

• At a stop sign you must stop completely, as close as possible to the stop line, then give way.
• At a T-intersection, the driver on the road that ends gives way to traffic on the continuing road, unless signs say otherwise.
• At an unsigned cross intersection, give way to vehicles approaching from your right.
• When turning, give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left, and to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
• When entering a roundabout, give way to any vehicle already in it, and signal left when you exit if practical.
• In speed zones of 70 km/h or less, give way to a bus pulling out from a stop if it is signalling to move into your lane.
• When changing lanes, you give way to vehicles already in the lane you are moving into, even if your lane is ending.

Intersection checklist

1. Slow down early so you can stop if needed.
2. Look for signs, lines and traffic lights to work out who has priority.
3. If there are no signs or lines at a crossroads, give way to the right.
4. If you are turning, give way to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians on the road you are entering.
5. Only enter if there is space for your car on the far side. Never stop in the middle of an intersection.

Roundabouts made simple

• Turning left: use the left lane and signal left.
• Turning right or making a U-turn: use the right lane, signal right and stay in the right lane.
• Going straight: use either lane unless arrows say otherwise, do not signal on approach, and stay in your lane.
• Leaving: signal left if practical, and check your blind spot when crossing lanes on exit.
• Cyclists may turn right from the left lane, so watch for them at each exit.

Lights, merging and turning right

On a green light you may go, but you still give way to pedestrians and to oncoming traffic when turning right. When turning right, move into the intersection with your wheels straight and turn as soon as it is safe, even if the light changes. A flashing yellow light means proceed with care using the give way to the right or T-intersection rule.

You may only turn left on a red light where a sign allows it after stopping. U-turns at traffic lights are banned unless a U-turn permitted sign is shown. When two lanes merge and the lane lines end, the vehicle behind gives way to the vehicle in front. If your lane ends and you must cross a line, you give way. Our NT road users handbook study guide has diagrams to practise with.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a stop sign. The car must come to a complete stop at the line.
• Assuming the driver on the left must give way at a T-intersection. It depends on which road continues, not left or right.
• Signalling right when going straight through a roundabout.
• Forgetting pedestrians crossing the side street you are turning into.

Test yourself: Giving way, roundabouts and intersections in Northern Territory

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in the NT
• Northern Territory Mandatory Medical Reporting for Learners
• NT Road Users Handbook Study Guide