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Module 5: Give-way rules

The give-way rules

10 minLesson 1 of 2 Awaiting expert reviewLast reviewed: 29 September 2026

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What you will learn

Apply the New Zealand give-way rules at uncontrolled intersections.

  • Turning vs not turning
  • Right-turning vs left-turning
  • The T-intersection rule
  • Give way to your right

Rule 1: If you're turning, give way to traffic that isn't turning

Law

At an intersection without signs or signals, if you are turning you must to all traffic that is not turning (traffic going straight through).

Turning gives way to traffic going straightTwo cars face each other at an intersection. One is going straight. The other is turning. The turning car waits.WaitsWaitsGoesGoesN
Two cars face each other at an intersection. One is going straight. The other is turning. The turning car waits.

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Rule 2: Right-turning gives way to opposite left-turning

Law

If you are turning right and an oncoming vehicle is turning left, you must to it.

Right turn gives way to opposite left turnTwo cars face each other. One wants to turn right, the other wants to turn left into the same road. The right-turning car waits.WaitsWaitsGoesGoesN
Two cars face each other. One wants to turn right, the other wants to turn left into the same road. The right-turning car waits.

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Rule 3: T-intersections

Law

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, if you are on the (the bottom of the T), you must to all vehicles on the (the top of the T).

T-intersectionA T-shaped intersection. A car waits at the bottom of the T while traffic passes along the top.WaitsWaitsGoesGoesN
A T-shaped intersection. A car waits at the bottom of the T while traffic passes along the top.

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Rule 4: Otherwise, give way to your right

Law

If you are leaving the path of a marked at an , to vehicles following the centre line. In all other situations, to vehicles coming from your right.

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Try it

Right turn vs opposite left turnAn uncontrolled crossroads. You are coming from the south and turning right into the east road. Car A is coming from the north and turning left into the same east road.YouYouCar ACar AN

Key: green vehicle and solid arrow = you. Blue vehicle and dashed arrow = another road user. N = north.

Driving scenario

Right turn vs opposite left turn

What's happening

An uncontrolled crossroads. You are coming from the south and turning right into the east road. Car A is coming from the north and turning left into the same east road.

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Who should ?
Sources Awaiting expert reviewLast checked: 29 September 2026

Knowledge check

A few quick questions – no timer, no pressure.

Question 1 of 3Original practice question

At an you're turning right. An oncoming car is going straight through. Who gives way?

Turning gives way to traffic going straightTurning car waits for a car going straight.WaitsWaitsGoesGoesN
Turning car waits for a car going straight.

Summary

  • Turning gives way to not turning.
  • Right-turn gives way to opposite left-turn.
  • Bottom of the T gives way to top of the T.
  • Otherwise to your right.

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How do you feel about this topic?

Sources Awaiting expert reviewLast checked: 29 September 2026

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