How to Deal with Junctions
Learn how to emerge safely from a minor road using the LADA routine, accurate observations and controlled peep-and-creep technique.
Build a clear picture before joining the major road
Good junction work combines early observations, controlled speed and sound judgement. You need enough time to identify hazards, assess gaps and decide whether to go or wait.
Keep checking in both directions. The situation can change quickly while you approach the give-way or stop line.
Work through four clear stages
Use LADA as a continuous cycle rather than a one-off glance.
Look
Scan right, left and right again as early as possible. Keep your eyes moving and check for vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and restricted views.
Assess
Judge the speed and distance of approaching traffic. Consider whether the available gap is genuinely large enough.
Decide
Choose whether it is safe to continue or whether you need to stop and wait at the line.
Act
Move away smoothly when it is safe, or hold your position and continue observing until the situation changes.
Open and closed junctions
Your approach speed should reflect how much of the major road you can see.
Open junction
An open junction gives you a clear view into the major road before reaching the line.
- Observe early and keep updating the view.
- Reduce speed enough to stop if needed.
- Do not assume a clear view means it is automatically safe to go.
Closed junction
A closed junction has a restricted view caused by walls, hedges, buildings or parked vehicles.
- Approach very slowly in first gear.
- Be ready to stop at the line.
- Use peep-and-creep only when necessary to improve the view.
Peep and creep with precise clutch control
At a junction where your view is blocked, edge forward only enough to improve what you can see. Keep the movement slow and controlled.
Stay in first gear, bring the clutch to the biting point and keep your feet still.
Use clutch control to move forward very slowly while continuing to look right, left and right.
Stop again whenever needed. Only emerge when the view is clear and the gap is safe.
Reach the junction line before turning
Keep the wheels straight as you approach. Wait until the front of the car reaches the junction line before beginning to steer into the major road.
Approach squarely
Keep a suitable position on the minor road and avoid drifting towards the centre or kerb.
Delay the steering
Turning too early can cause you to clip the kerb or cut across the wrong side of the major road.
Look both ways
Do not stare only to the right. Traffic from the left can still present a hazard, especially when turning right.
Two mistakes to remove early
Turning the wheel too early
Wait until the front of the car reaches the junction line. Early steering can clip the kerb or cut the corner.
Staring in one direction
Keep scanning right, left and right. Traffic can approach from either direction and the situation may change while you wait.
Junction FAQs
What does LADA stand for when dealing with junctions?
LADA stands for Look, Assess, Decide and Act. It helps you gather information, judge the situation and respond safely.
What is a closed junction?
A closed junction is one where your view is restricted by walls, hedges, buildings, parked vehicles or other obstructions.
What does peep and creep mean?
Peep and creep means edging forward very slowly under clutch control to improve your view at a closed junction, while remaining ready to stop.
Which direction should I look first at a junction?
Use a right-left-right scan as early as possible, then continue checking both directions because the traffic situation can change.
When should I start steering at a T-junction?
Wait until the front of the car reaches the junction line before beginning to steer. Turning early can cause you to clip the kerb or cut the corner.
Do I always need to stop at a junction?
No. Your decision depends on visibility, signs, road markings and approaching traffic. You must always be able to stop safely if the situation requires it.
Build calm, accurate junction routines
Practise observations, clutch control and decision-making with your instructor until the process feels measured and predictable.