Right-of-Way & Intersections: Top DMV Test Mistakes to Avoid
Right-of-Way and Intersections: Avoid the Most Common DMV Test Mistakes
The right-of-way questions on the California DMV written test trip up more people than almost any other topic. The rules themselves are not complicated, but the test phrases them in ways that make you second-guess. This guide walks you through the key areas—controlled and uncontrolled intersections, who goes first, roundabouts, pedestrians, and mountain roads—and points out the mistakes test-takers make so you can avoid them.
Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections
A controlled intersection has traffic signals, stop signs, or yield signs. An uncontrolled intersection has none of these—just plain roads meeting. The test often shows a picture or describes a situation and asks who has the right-of-way.
Common mistake: Assuming that a green light means you can go no matter what. The rule is that you must yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the intersection. Even with a green light, if a pedestrian is crossing or a car is still clearing the intersection, you must wait. The test might phrase it as: "You are approaching a green light. A pedestrian is crossing the street. What should you do?" The correct answer is always to yield.
At a controlled intersection with stop signs, the first vehicle to stop is the first to go. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. That is the core rule.
Worked scenario: You stop at a four-way stop. Another car stops at the same time on your right. You want to go straight, and they want to go straight. Who goes? They do, because they are on your right.
Who Goes First: The Core Rule
At any intersection, yield to pedestrians first, then to vehicles already in the intersection. When you arrive at the same time as another vehicle, the vehicle on the right goes first. This applies at both controlled and uncontrolled intersections.
Common mistake: Thinking that the bigger vehicle or the one going faster has the right-of-way. The test may describe a large truck approaching an uncontrolled intersection at the same time as a small car. The size does not matter; the vehicle on the right goes first.
Another mistake is forgetting to yield to vehicles already in the intersection. If you are turning left and a car is coming straight through, you must yield. The test might ask: "You are turning left at a green light. An oncoming car is going straight. Who has the right-of-way?" The oncoming car does.
Worked scenario: You arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time as a car on your left. You want to turn right, and they want to go straight. Since they are on your left, you are on their right, so you go first. But you must still yield to any pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts confuse many drivers. Traffic travels counter-clockwise around a central island. You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Enter to the right when there is a safe gap. Do not stop or pass inside the roundabout. Signal when you exit.
Common mistake: Stopping inside the roundabout to yield to entering traffic. That is dangerous and wrong. Once you are in, you have the right-of-way. The test might ask: "You are entering a roundabout. A car is approaching from your left, already in the roundabout. What should you do?" You must yield and wait for a gap.
Another mistake is signaling incorrectly. You should signal right before exiting. If you miss your exit, continue around.
Worked scenario: You approach a roundabout and want to take the second exit. A car is coming from your left, already circulating. You slow down, yield, and wait until there is a gap. Then you enter to the right, stay in your lane, and signal right before your exit.
Pedestrians and Crosswalks
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. You must yield to them. The test often asks about crosswalks at intersections.
Common mistake: Thinking that pedestrians only have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. In California, every intersection has a crosswalk, marked or not. If a pedestrian is crossing, you must stop. The test might phrase it as: "You are turning right at a green light. A pedestrian is crossing in the crosswalk. What should you do?" You must yield.
Another mistake is passing a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk. That is illegal and dangerous. The test may ask: "A car is stopped at a crosswalk. Can you pass?" No, you must stop.
Worked scenario: You are driving and see a pedestrian waiting at a corner. There is no marked crosswalk. You must still yield if they step into the road. The test might describe this and ask if you should stop. The answer is yes.
Mountain Roads
Mountain roads have special rules. When two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road, the vehicle going downhill must yield to the one going uphill. Why? Because it is harder for the uphill vehicle to start again. Also, if you are driving slowly and holding up traffic, you must use a turnout to let others pass.
Common mistake: Thinking the larger vehicle has the right-of-way. The rule is based on direction, not size. The test might ask: "You are driving downhill on a narrow mountain road. An uphill vehicle is approaching. Who has the right-of-way?" The uphill vehicle does.
Another mistake is forgetting to use turnouts. The test may ask: "You are driving slowly on a mountain road and cars are backed up behind you. What should you do?" You should pull into a turnout and let them pass.
Worked scenario: You are going downhill on a one-lane mountain road. A car is coming uphill. You must back up or pull over to let them pass. If you are the uphill vehicle, you have the right-of-way.
Quick Self-Check
Test your understanding with these three questions.
1. You arrive at a four-way stop at the same time as a car on your left. Who goes first?
A) You do, because you are on the right.
B) The other car does, because they are on your left.
C) The car going straight goes first.
2. You are entering a roundabout. A car is already in the roundabout coming from your left. What should you do?
A) Enter, because you have the right-of-way.
B) Yield and wait for a gap.
C) Stop inside the roundabout.
3. You are driving downhill on a narrow mountain road. A car is coming uphill. Who has the right-of-way?
A) You do, because you are going downhill.
B) The uphill car does.
C) The larger vehicle does.
Answers: 1-A, 2-B, 3-B.
Key Takeaways
- At intersections, yield to pedestrians first, then to vehicles already in the intersection. When arriving together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
- A green light does not give you the right-of-way over pedestrians or vehicles still in the intersection.
- In roundabouts, yield to circulating traffic, enter to the right, and signal before exiting.
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks, marked or unmarked.
- On mountain roads, downhill vehicles yield to uphill vehicles, and slow drivers must use turnouts.
Ready to test your skills? Try practising with Mia at lastdmv.com and see how you do on right-of-way questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common mistake on right-of-way questions?
Assuming a green light gives you the absolute right-of-way. You must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way?
At crosswalks, yes. You must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. However, pedestrians must also follow signals and not suddenly leave a curb.
Who goes first at a four-way stop?
The first vehicle to stop goes first. If two stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
How do I handle a roundabout on the test?
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, enter to the right when safe, stay in your lane, and signal before exiting. Do not stop inside.