Junctions
Turning right at controlled traffic lights
A green light gives you permission to go, not confirmation that it's safe - the actual decision still comes from what the oncoming traffic and the junction ahead are doing.
This video has no narration. Follow the written steps below.
Practical test
Why it matters
This checks whether you can separate two decisions - the light says you may go, the traffic picture says whether you should - and treat them as two different checks.
What to look out for
Green doesn't remove judgement
The light tells you the turn is allowed. Whether it's actually safe still depends on oncoming traffic and the junction ahead.
Position first, gap second
Get the car settled in the right lane and turning position early, so you can focus on the light and the gap once you're there.
Key steps
- 1 Check mirrors, signal right in good time, and move into the correct right-turn position before you reach the stop line.
- 2 Read the lights early and stop smoothly if they're red or changing, rather than reacting to them at the last second.
- 3 If the light allows you to proceed, enter only once the junction ahead has room for your car to actually complete the turn.
- 4 Watch oncoming traffic and any filter arrows carefully, then complete the turn positively into the correct side of the new road.
Common mistakes
Rushing a stale green
Approach at a speed that still lets you stop if the lights change, rather than treating a green that's been on a while as extra permission to hurry.
Waiting in the junction without room
Only move forward if there's actually space to sit safely and complete the turn without blocking the junction.
Turning across oncoming traffic too soon
A green light doesn't remove the need to wait for oncoming traffic to stop, a filter arrow, or a clearly safe gap.
Example scenarios
Illustrative, AI-generated examples - not real photographs.
Avoid
Highway Code
This lesson is a revision aid, not a replacement for The Highway Code.
Rule 175
You MUST stop behind the white 'Stop' line unless the light is green.
Read Rule 175 on GOV.UKRule 179
Well before turning right, use your mirrors, signal, and position just left of the middle of the road, or in a marked right-turn lane.
Read Rule 179 on GOV.UKMore in Traffic lights and controlled junctions
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