NY Road Test Guide

Right-of-Way, Made Simple

Who goes first? Here are the rules, in plain English — no manual required.

1

Already in the intersection? You go first.

If a car is already in the intersection, you must wait — even if your light is green.

2

Turning left? Yield to oncoming traffic.

If you're turning left, let cars going straight or turning right from the other direction go first.

3

No signs or signals? Yield to the driver on your right.

If two cars stop at the same time with no stop sign or light, whoever is on the right goes first.

4

Pulling out of a driveway or parking lot? You always yield.

Cars and people already on the street or sidewalk always have the right-of-way over you.

5

Always yield to pedestrians.

Whether the crosswalk is painted or not, people crossing the street always go first.

6

Don't enter unless you can get all the way through.

If traffic is backed up ahead, wait — never block the intersection.

7

Entering a traffic circle? Yield to cars already in it.

Cars already driving around the circle always have the right-of-way over cars entering.

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