Main and Secondary Road

The essentials

This topic teaches how to distinguish main and secondary roads using signs, pavement or other permitted indicators. This distinction is necessary for correctly determining priority at uncontrolled intersections.

What to remember

A driver on a main road generally has priority over a vehicle approaching from a secondary road, but you must first identify the status of the roads correctly. Status may be defined by priority signs and, in some cases, by the nature of the road surface. If a sign before the intersection changes the road status, do not rely on the earlier assumption.

Listen to the explanation

Educational material; not a substitute for the current official rules.

Try questions on this topic

A small practice set from this subtopic. The full question bank and saved progress are available in your account.

Is the driver of a bus continuing straight ahead required to give way to a truck? Is the driver of a bus continuing straight ahead required to give way to a truck?
  1. Obliged
  2. Not obliged

The correct answer: Obliged

The correct answer is the bus driver must yield to the truck. The supplementary diagram shows the direction of the priority road, and the truck is following it. By continuing straight, the bus leaves that priority direction, so it stops before the intersection and proceeds only after the truck has passed.

Who do you have to give way to if you intend to continue driving straight ahead? Who do you have to give way to if you intend to continue driving straight ahead?
  1. Two vehicles
  2. Only a bus
  3. Only a passenger car
  4. None

The correct answer: Two vehicles

The correct answer is to yield to both vehicles. The Give Way sign and the priority-road direction diagram show that the bus and passenger car are traveling on the priority road. Before continuing straight, stop where visibility is clear and wait until both vehicle paths have completely cleared the intersection.

Which vehicle must you give way to if you intend to continue driving straight ahead? Which vehicle must you give way to if you intend to continue driving straight ahead?
  1. Only a passenger car
  2. Only a bus and a passenger car
  3. All vehicles
  4. Only a motorcycle

The correct answer: Only a bus and a passenger car

The correct answer is to yield only to the bus and passenger car. They are traveling on the priority road shown by the supplementary diagram, while you approach from a minor road. The motorcycle is also outside the priority road and does not have precedence over your straight path.

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