Junctions and box junctions in the theory test: give way, stop and turning right
Updated •7 min read
You must not enter a yellow box junction until your exit road or lane is clear, but you may wait in it to turn right if only oncoming traffic stops you (Highway Code rule 174). At a "Stop" sign you must stop behind the solid white line; at broken white lines you must give way to traffic on the main road (rules 171 and 172).
This page covers the junction rules the Highway Code sets out: stop and give way lines, box junctions, emerging, turning right and turning left. Every rule is from the Highway Code on gov.uk, and each rule number links to our own rule page.
Stop and give way lines (rules 171 and 172)
| Junction | What you must do | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| "Stop" sign with a solid white line across the road | Stop behind the line, then wait for a safe gap before moving off | 171 |
| "Give Way" sign or triangle on the road, with broken white lines | Give way to traffic on the main road | 172 |
A "Stop" sign means you must stop even if the road looks clear. Our road markings guide shows both lines.
Box junctions (rule 174)
Box junctions have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. Rule 174 sets three points:
- You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear.
- You may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right and are only stopped by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.
- At signalled roundabouts you MUST NOT enter the box unless you can cross it completely without stopping.
A green light does not change this. Rule 176 says only go forward on green if there is room to clear the junction safely, or you are taking up a position to turn right. Our traffic lights guide covers the light sequence and advanced stop lines.
Emerging from a junction (rule 170)
Rule 170 says to take extra care at junctions. You should:
- watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, as they are not always easy to see
- give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or out of; if they have started to cross, they have priority
- stay behind cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists at junctions, even if they are waiting to turn and close to the kerb
- watch out for long vehicles turning ahead, which may need the whole width of the road
- not assume that a vehicle coming from the right and signalling left will actually turn; wait and make sure
- look all around before emerging, and not cross or join a road until there is a gap large enough to do so safely
Turning right (rules 179 to 181)
Rule 179 says that well before you turn right you should check your mirrors, give a right-turn signal, and take up a position just left of the middle of the road or in the space marked for right turns. Leave room for others to pass on your left if possible.
Rule 180 says to wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic, watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, and check your mirrors and blind spot again before turning. Do not cut the corner. The Highway Code sums this up as Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre.
When an oncoming vehicle at a crossroads is also turning right, rule 181 gives two methods:
| Method | What the Highway Code says |
|---|---|
| Right side to right side | Keep the other vehicle on your right and turn behind it. Generally the safer method, because you have a clear view of approaching traffic. |
| Left side to left side | Turn in front of each other. This can block your view of oncoming vehicles, so take extra care. |
Road layout, markings or how the other vehicle is positioned can decide which method you use.
On a dual carriageway, rule 173 says to check whether the central reservation is deep enough for your whole vehicle before crossing in two stages. Our dual carriageways guide explains it.
Turning left (rules 182 and 183)
Rule 182 says to use your mirrors and signal well before you turn left, not to overtake just before the turn, and to watch for traffic coming up on your left, especially cyclists and motorcyclists. Rule 183 says to keep as close to the left as is safe, and to give way to anyone using a bus lane, cycle lane, cycle track or tramway from either direction.
Practice questions
These questions are written for this page to test the rules above. They are not DVSA questions.
- The lights are green but traffic is queuing across the yellow box ahead, and you want to go straight on. What should you do? Wait behind the box until your exit is clear (rules 174 and 176).
- You want to turn right at a box junction and only oncoming traffic is stopping you. May you wait in the box? Yes. Rule 174 allows this when you are only stopped by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
- A car on the main road to your right is signalling left. Should you pull out? Not yet. Wait and make sure it is actually turning before you emerge (rule 170).
- You and an oncoming car are both turning right at a crossroads. Which method is generally safer? Right side to right side, turning behind the other car, because you can see approaching traffic (rule 181).
- What does a solid white line with a "Stop" sign require? You must stop behind the line, even if the road is clear, then wait for a safe gap (rule 171).
Practise the rules
Junctions link with roundabouts and vulnerable road users in the test. Try the free practice questions to test yourself.
Check what you remember
Start free with the theorytest.ai diagnostic to see whether junctions are a weak area. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA. Gov.uk does not publish test questions, so we cannot say how many are about junctions.
Frequently asked questions
When can you enter a yellow box junction?
Only when your exit road or lane is clear. You may wait in the box to turn right if only oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles stop you (rule 174).
What is the difference between a stop line and a give way line?
At a "Stop" sign with a solid white line you must stop. At broken white lines you must give way to traffic on the main road (rules 171 and 172).
Where should you position your car to turn right?
Just left of the middle of the road, or in the space marked for right turns, after checking mirrors and signalling (rule 179).
Who has priority when you turn into a side road and a pedestrian is crossing?
The pedestrian. Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or out of (rule 170).