Of all the skills a new driver must master, dealing with junctions is arguably the most fundamental—and often, the most nerve-wracking. A junction is simply any place where roads meet, cross, or merge. From a simple T-junction to a complex multi-lane crossroads, they are the critical decision points of our road network. Misjudging them is a leading cause of accidents, particularly for inexperienced drivers.
But here’s the good news: junction handling isn’t about instinct; it’s about a systematic process. By learning and applying a clear, repeatable routine, you can transform junctions from sources of stress into demonstrations of your skill and control. This guide breaks down that process, ensuring you approach every junction with calm confidence.
The Golden Rule: The MSM/PSL Routine
The cornerstone of safe junction negotiation is the MSM/PSL routine. This stands for Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre / Position – Speed – Look. It’s a structured sequence that ensures you are always aware, always communicating, and always in control.
Let’s apply this routine to the two main types of junctions you will encounter: Open Junctions and Closed Junctions.
Part 1: Approaching and Turning at Junctions
Whether the junction is open or closed, your initial approach follows the MSM part of the routine.
M – Mirrors: Your first action upon spotting a junction is to check your interior and relevant door mirror. Why? To understand the situation behind you. Is there a cyclist? Is someone following too closely? This information dictates your next moves.
S – Signal: Once you know it’s safe, signal your intention to turn left or right. Signal in good time to inform other road users of your plan, but not so early that it could be confusing (e.g., signalling before a side road you are not taking).
M – Manoeuvre: This is where the PSL (Position – Speed – Look) part takes over, specific to the type of junction.
Navigating an Open Junction
An open junction offers a clear view of the road you are joining. You can see oncoming traffic and pedestrians from a good distance away.
- Position: For a left turn, move your vehicle towards the left-hand side of the road, roughly a drain’s width from the curb. For a right turn, move towards the centre of the road, aligning yourself just left of the centre line (or where it would be).
- Speed: Because your view is good, you can often adjust your speed more gradually. Select an appropriate gear (often 2nd) that gives you both control and power to emerge.
- Look: Look thoroughly into the road you are joining. Check for oncoming vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians about to cross. Only proceed when you are absolutely sure it is safe.
Navigating a Closed Junction
A closed junction has a restricted view. Buildings, walls, or hedges often obscure your line of sight, making it impossible to see if anything is coming until you are very close.
- Position: Same as above—left for left, centre for right.
- Speed: This is critical. You must reduce your speed significantly more than at an open junction. Your speed on approach should be slow enough that you can stop safely at the give way or stop line. You will likely need to use a lower gear, such as 1st gear, to crawl forward and gain a better view.
- Look: You must take extra time to look. Edging forward slowly (called “peep and creep”) may be necessary. Look right, left, and right again. Listen for engine noise. Be prepared to stop completely. The limited view means you must be ultra-cautious.
Part 2: Dealing with Specific Junction Types
T-Junctions: The most common type. You are on the terminating road. Give way to traffic on the major road. Apply the MSM/PSL routine to turn left or right onto it.
Crossroads: Where two roads cross. Right of way can be trickier. Traffic going straight ahead generally has priority over traffic turning. If you are turning right, you must give way to oncoming traffic going straight ahead or turning left. Never assume another driver will give way to you, even if you have priority.
Staggered Junctions: These are essentially two separate T-junctions close together. Treat each one individually with a full MSM/PSL routine for each turn.
Roundabouts: While a type of junction, they have their own specific rules. The universal principle is to give way to traffic from your right already on the roundabout. Always signal your intended exit.
Advanced Tips for Junction Mastery
- Beware the “Nearside Danger” when Turning Right: When turning right into a side road, be acutely aware of cyclists or pedestrians between your car and the curb. They can be in your blind spot.
- Don’t “Swing Wide” on Left Turns: When turning left, keep tight to the left-hand side. Swinging out to the right first is dangerous and illegal.
- The “Lifesaver” Glance: Always, without exception, perform a final, quick over-the-shoulder check into your blind spot just before you commit to a turn. This catches cyclists or pedestrians you may have missed.
- Anticipate Others: Watch the wheels of stopped cars at junctions. They indicate intention before the car moves. Look at the body language of pedestrians.
- If in Doubt, Chicken Out: If you are unsure whether it is safe to go, wait. It is always better to be safe than to be right.
Learn from the Experts: Essential Video Resources
Reading about the routine is one thing; seeing it executed perfectly is another. These high-authority resources are invaluable for visual learners.
- The Official UK Standard (DVSA): For the definitive guide, the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency channel is unbeatable. Their video, How to Deal with Junctions, demonstrates the MSPSL routine with perfect clarity.
- In-Car Perspective with Conduite Facile: For a fantastic driver’s-eye view of multiple junction types, Conduite Facile’s video, How to Take Junctions, is excellent. It shows you exactly what to look for and how to position your car.
- Detailed Analysis from World Driving: The channel World Driving provides incredibly detailed tutorials. Their video on Approaching Junctions breaks down the process with graphics and analysis, explaining not just what to do, but why you’re doing it.
Your Path to Confidence
Junctions are the punctuation marks of driving. Mastering them makes the entire journey smooth and safe. It’s not about reacting in the moment; it’s about applying a disciplined, proactive system every single time.
Commit the MSM/PSL routine to memory. Practice it on quiet roads until it becomes second nature. Use your mirrors constantly, signal with purpose, and control your speed and position. By doing so, you’ll no longer fear junctions—you’ll handle them with the assured skill of a confident driver.
