Give-way rules: 10 scenarios that catch SA drivers out
Quick read
Most give-way mistakes come down to misunderstanding three core rules: the "give way to the right" rule at unmarked intersections, who gives way at T-intersections, and who has priority at roundabouts.
Part A of the SA Theory Test is 8 give-way diagrams, and you must get all 8 correct. This is where most learners fail.
This guide walks through 10 of the most-missed scenarios, with the rule behind each one. Read it slowly, draw the diagrams yourself, and the logic clicks.
Why give-way rules trip people up
The Australian Road Rules are written so any driver, anywhere in Australia, should know what to do at any intersection. But in real life, learners memorise diagrams from the Handbook without understanding the underlying logic. So when the test gives them a scenario slightly different from the diagrams they studied, they freeze.
The fix is to learn the rules, not the pictures. There are really only a handful of rules to know. Once you understand them, every diagram becomes obvious.
The 3 core rules in plain English
- Give way to your right at any uncontrolled intersection (no signs, no lights). This is the default rule.
- At a T-intersection, the driver on the road that ends (the stem of the T) must give way to traffic on the continuing road (the top of the T).
- At a roundabout, you give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
Almost every scenario on the test is a variation on these three. Now the scenarios.
The 10 scenarios
1Unmarked crossroads, you are going straight
Two roads cross with no signs and no lights. Another car is approaching from your right. Both of you want to go straight.
This is the "give way to the right" rule. It is the default for any uncontrolled intersection. Source: Australian Road Rules rule 72.
2Unmarked crossroads, you are turning right
Same intersection. You want to turn right. An oncoming car wants to go straight.
When turning right, you give way to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left. This applies at every intersection (marked or unmarked) and traffic lights too.
3T-intersection, you are on the stem
You are driving along a side road that ends at a main road. There are no signs (just an unmarked T).
If your road ends at the top of a T, you must give way to traffic on the continuing road regardless of which direction it is coming from. This applies even when there is no give-way sign. Source: Australian Road Rules rule 73.
4T-intersection with a give-way sign
Same situation, but now there is a give-way sign on your road.
A give-way sign expands your obligations. You stop or slow down, then give way to anyone who has right of way. The sign is the rule, not just a warning.
5Roundabout, you are approaching
You are about to enter a roundabout. Another car is already in it, coming from your right.
The rule is simple: you give way to all traffic already in the roundabout. Even if a car is approaching from your right but has not yet entered, you can proceed if you can clear safely. But take particular care of cars approaching from your right because they will enter the roundabout before you. Source: SA Driver's Handbook, "Approaching and entering a roundabout".
6Roundabout, choosing the right indicator
You want to turn left at a roundabout (leave before halfway).
If turning right (leaving after halfway): indicate right as you approach. If going straight ahead: no signal needed on approach, but signal left just before you exit. This is one of the most overlooked rules and a common reason people fail the practical driving test.
7Slip lane, turning left
You are using a slip lane (a separate lane that lets you turn left without entering the main intersection). A pedestrian is on the slip lane.
Slip lanes feel like a free turn, but they are not. You must give way to anyone you would conflict with, especially pedestrians and bicycles.
8U-turn at an intersection with lights
You are doing a U-turn at a traffic-lighted intersection.
U-turns are only legal at traffic lights if there is a "U-turn permitted" sign. Even then, you must give way to everyone, including pedestrians crossing the road you are entering. U-turns are not allowed on freeways, one-way streets going the wrong direction, or where a "No U-turn" sign is displayed.
9Pedestrian crossing the road you are turning into
You are turning left or right at any intersection. A pedestrian is crossing the road you are entering.
This applies at every intersection, with or without lights. Pedestrians crossing the road you are leaving (behind you, on the road you are exiting) do not have right of way. But anyone in front of you, on the road you are turning into, does. Source: Australian Road Rules rule 69(3).
10Emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens
A police car, ambulance, or fire truck approaches with flashing lights and sirens.
This may mean pulling over to the left and stopping, or moving forward to clear an intersection if you are blocking it. The exact action depends on traffic, but the principle is the same: clear the path. You are also required to keep clear of stationary emergency vehicles with lights flashing. Slow down to 25 km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle (or 40 km/h in higher speed zones in SA).
The mistake that fails Part A of the Theory Test
Most learners fail Part A because they treat give-way diagrams as shapes to memorise instead of rules to apply. The Theory Test deliberately gives you slight variations on the Handbook diagrams to test whether you understand the underlying rule.
If you can describe the rule for each scenario above in your own words, you will pass. If you can only repeat what the diagram showed, you will struggle.
How to study give-way rules effectively
Three steps that work:
- Read the rule first, then look at the diagram. Make sure you understand why the diagram shows what it shows.
- Draw your own variations. Take a scenario from the Handbook and change one thing (add a give-way sign, swap directions). Work out what changes.
- Use the free practice Theory Test. The official SA Government one is at mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-car-licence/practice-theory-test. It uses the same diagram styles as the real test.
If you keep getting stuck, a single focused lesson with us on intersections and give-way scenarios can clear it up in 60 to 90 minutes. We go through scenarios on actual roads in Adelaide, so the rule becomes real instead of abstract.
Bottom line
Give-way rules are not arbitrary. They follow a small set of principles. Learn the principles, not the diagrams, and Part A of the Theory Test stops being scary. The same understanding will keep you safe in real driving long after the test is done.
Keep learning
More free guides: SA Theory Test complete guide, Study materials index. Practical articles on SA licence conditions, phone use while driving and VORT test prep.
Useful resources and official links
All give-way rules in this article are verified against official Australian and South Australian government sources. Check these directly for the full text and latest updates:
- Australian Road Rules 2014 (as adopted in SA under the Road Traffic Act): Full regulations at AustLII (official)
- Rule 69: Giving way at give-way sign or line
- Rule 72: Giving way at intersections without signs or lights
- mylicence.sa.gov.au: SA Driver's Handbook chapter on Giving way
- mylicence.sa.gov.au: SA Driver's Handbook chapter on Approaching and entering a roundabout
- mylicence.sa.gov.au: Free official Practice Theory Test
Disclaimer: This article is general study material for South Australian learner drivers. It is not legal advice. Road rules are set by the South Australian government and Australian Road Rules and can change at any time. Always confirm current rules with the official SA Driver's Handbook or by phoning Service SA on 13 10 84 before relying on this guidance. Article last verified 30 May 2026.