Staggered Junctions

The staggered junction, laid out like the lines of a crossword puzzle. Here we break it down into, turning at a T-junction, and then a right turn across traffic.

If you have the pleasure of encountering one of these on your driving test, the road in the middle is likely to be the busiest and that is the idea. Just tackle it one step at a time. In our example we are approaching from the bottom of the picture, but the steps apply from the top. There is also a keep clear section just before the junction, something to keep in mind when there's more traffic.

Step 1

The first junction is no different to your average T-junction.

• Check your mirrors.

• Indicate in plenty of time for the junction.

• Keep to the left of your lane as you approach the white line.

• Once at the junction, wait for a gap, this is the key step. You will need to leave enough room to get into the road, indicate and then move to the centre of the new road (Clay Lane). You need to give any approaching traffic time to see what you are doing.

• When safe to do so move into the road.

Step 2

You are now on the 2nd road, here you are turning right across traffic.

• Once in the road, check your mirrors as you are turning again.

• Indicate right .

• Move towards the centre white line, you want to make it clear to anyone coming from behind you that you are now turning.

• If you have to stop, you want to be far enough over that you don't block the road if there is space for people to pass on your left.

• If you have to stop in the road before turning, don't forget some observation before you turn across the road. Motorcyclists and cyclists have a habit of travelling on the white lines.

• When it is safe to do so turn right across the on coming traffic.

Step 3

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Note - Try to find a time of the day when it is not too busy to get some practice in.