Priority at junctions: who goes first? The order to remember

Priority is one of the 8 topics of the CBR car theory exam: giving way at junctions, letting others go first when turning, and giving way to pedestrians. Many questions show a photo of a junction and ask who may go first. With a fixed order in your head, these questions get a lot easier. Here is how it works, explained our way, based on the Dutch traffic rules (RVV 1990).

The order: what beats what?

• 1. Instructions from a traffic controller or the police. These beat traffic signs and traffic rules (RVV art. 84). If the traffic controller waves you on, you go, even at a red light.
• 2. Traffic lights. Traffic lights beat the signs that regulate priority (art. 64). If the lights are not working, look at the signs.
• 3. Signs and shark teeth. Traffic signs beat the general rules (art. 63). Shark teeth or sign B6 (triangle pointing down): give way to traffic on the crossing road (art. 80). Sign B7 (STOP): stop first, then give way. Sign B1 (priority road) or B3 (priority junction): you have priority.
• 4. No lights, no signs? Then the rules apply (art. 15). Trams first: everyone gives way to the tram. Next: traffic coming from an unpaved road gives way to traffic on a paved road. Only after that: traffic from the right goes first.

Always let them go first

• Priority vehicles with blue flashing lights and siren: always let them pass (art. 50).
• Pedestrians on or about to use a zebra crossing: let them go first (art. 49).
• Turning: when you turn, you let traffic on the same road that comes towards you, or rides next to or close behind you, go first, including the cyclist on your right (art. 18). Turning left? Let oncoming traffic that is turning right go first (art. 18(2)).
• Leaving a driveway or pulling away from the kerb: that is a special manoeuvre, so you let all other traffic go first (art. 54).

How to tackle a priority question

• Step 1: is there a traffic controller? They decide.
• Step 2: are there working traffic lights? Follow the light.
• Step 3: do you see signs or shark teeth? Check which road they are on.
• Step 4: none of the above? Tram first, then paved over unpaved, then the right.
• Step 5: is someone turning, or coming out of a driveway? Then apply the rules for turning and special manoeuvres.

Tip from The Bro School

"Right goes first" applies to all drivers and riders, so also to a cyclist or moped rider coming from the right. And under the law, giving way means the other person can carry on without being hindered, so don't drive halfway onto the junction. Practise these questions in our exam packages and, after every exam, read the explanation for the questions you got wrong.

Source: Dutch Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations 1990 (wetten.overheid.nl) and CBR, topics in the theory exam