After years of driving, we think we know the road by heart. Then one day, an exercise from an official test makes us doubt ourselves: three cars, a T-junction, different trajectories… and suddenly, the famous “Who goes first?” seems much less obvious. Have you ever experienced this moment of uncertainty? Then this article will shed some light on the matter in a simple, practical, and, above all, memorable way.

Why are T-intersections so confusing?

A T-junction seems simple enough: a main lane, a lane ending at it, and three drivers who need to coordinate. However, when no traffic lights or signs clarify the situation, the logic of right-of-way can become less intuitive.
The reflexes we acquire behind the wheel— priority to the right , yielding when turning left, paying attention to the main lane—can clash and cause that moment of doubt. The good news is: once the basic rule is understood, everything becomes clear.

The scenario: three cars, three intentions

Imagine this typical case:

Blue car: arrives on the main road and continues straight ahead.
Pink car: arrives from the road which is ending and wishes to turn left.
Yellow car: is coming from the right of the pink car and also wants to turn left.

No traffic light, no sign, no priority marking: how to decide?

The essential rule: the main road has priority

At a T-junction, unless otherwise indicated by a sign, the vehicle traveling on the main road has priority, as it continues along the main traffic lane. In our example, the blue car remains on the main road and does not change direction. Therefore, it proceeds first.

This is the simplest rule to remember:
If you are on the road that does not break, you go before those who are joining the road.

Second step: distinguish between vehicles turning left

Once the blue car has passed, the pink and yellow cars remain, both about to turn left. Their order of passage is determined by a well-known rule:
A vehicle turning left yields to the one coming from the opposite direction or that has an obvious right of way.

The pink car , merging from the end of the lane, must check that the space is clear before turning. The yellow car, approaching from the side, must also ensure that the intersection is clear.
Normally, the pink car would yield to the yellow car if it has a more direct route.
However, in this specific case—according to standard driving tests—the pink car turns first, and then the yellow car completes the turn, because it is performing the more complex maneuver and has no additional right-of-way.

Clear and easy-to-remember summary

In this configuration:

The blue car, which has priority on the main lane, goes first.
The pink car then sets off, once the road is clear.
The yellow car closes the sequence, its turn being the most constrained.

A simple trick to never hesitate again

At each T-junction, ask yourself these three quick questions:

Who remains on the main track? → absolute priority.
Who performs the simplest maneuver?
Whose trajectory is being cut off?

In a few seconds, you will have the right answer, even in the trickiest situations.

Because a calm driver is an informed driver, mastering these small rules makes the road smoother… and much more pleasant for everyone, thanks to a well-understood intersection .