Critical Exam Topic

Master Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way errors cause thousands of accidents yearly. These questions make up about 25% of your permit test. Learn the rules for intersections, roundabouts, and pedestrians to pass.

Why is this on the Permit Test?

The DMV considers "Failure to Yield" one of the most dangerous driving behaviors. Because of this, you will see multiple questions testing your judgment in complex scenarios. You must master:

4-way stop precedence
Uncontrolled intersections
Roundabout entry rules
Pedestrian crosswalk laws

Intersections & 4-Way Stops

Confusion at intersections is dangerous. The golden rule at a 4-way stop is simple: First to stop, first to go. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

DMV Test Tip: Left Turns

A very common test question asks: "You want to turn left at an intersection. The light is green but there is oncoming traffic."

Answer: You must wait in the intersection until oncoming traffic clears. Left turners must ALWAYS yield to oncoming straight traffic (unless you have a protected green arrow).

Other Key Rules

• T-Intersections: Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. Vehicles on the road ending must yield.
• Uncontrolled Intersections: Yield to vehicle on your right.
• Private Roads/Driveways: Yield to all traffic on the main road.

4-way stop intersection showing right of way rules

Roundabouts & Merging

Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing. The rule is strictly Yield on Entry. Traffic already inside the circle always has the right-of-way over vehicles entering. You must travel in a counter-clockwise direction.

Safety Critical

Never stop inside a roundabout to let someone in. This causes accidents and defeats the purpose of the roundabout.

Exam Alert: Merging

When merging onto a highway or freeway, you must enter at or near the speed of traffic. It is YOUR responsibility to find a gap. Do not stop in the acceleration lane unless absolutely necessary.

Pedestrians are Priority

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. You must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at every intersection.

"When in doubt, yield. Even if a pedestrian is jaywalking (crossing illegally), you must stop to prevent an injury. Taking the right-of-way from a pedestrian is illegal."

Blind Pedestrians

Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes (with or without a red tip) must be given the right-of-way at all times. Stop well back from the crosswalk so the vehicle noise does not distract the service animal.

Car stopping for pedestrian at marked crosswalk

Emergency Vehicles & School Buses

Emergency Vehicles

When you see lights or hear sirens, you must pull to the right and stop. This is a law, not a suggestion.

• Intersection: If inside, clear it first, then pull over. Never stop in the intersection.
• Move Over Law: When passing a stopped emergency vehicle, move over one lane or slow down significantly.

School Buses

Flashing red lights mean STOP.

Undivided Road:Both directions must stop.

Divided Highway:Only traffic following the bus must stop. Opposite side proceeds with caution.

Interactive Exam Simulator

Test Your Knowledge

These 25 questions mimic the real exam's "Right of Way" section. Can you score the passing 83%?

Use keys 1-4 to select, Enter to submit

Question 1 of 250% Complete

At a 4-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time. Who has the right-of-way?

Questions are created and maintained by the DMV Question Bank content team following a rigorous editorial process. Content is updated regularly to reflect the latest state DMV handbooks and traffic laws. Official sources include state Driver Handbooks, DMV websites, and the Uniform Vehicle Code.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop?

The first vehicle to arrive and stop has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.

Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way?

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians must also follow traffic signals and not suddenly enter a roadway.

Who yields at a roundabout?

Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating inside. Never stop inside a roundabout to let someone in.

When must I stop for a school bus?

You must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights, unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier.

What should I do when an emergency vehicle approaches?

Pull to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. If you're in an intersection, clear it first, then pull over.

Who goes first at an uncontrolled intersection?

At intersections without signs or signals, yield to any vehicle already in the intersection. If you arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.