Right of way

Review every question in this test with its correct answer and explanation.

1. Question 1Must priority vehicles on emergency calls be given the right of way?

   
   • Yes, as a general rule.Correct answer
   • No.
   • We only have to give way to police cars, never to any others.

   Explanation

   Priority vehicles are those that perform emergency services, such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and civil protection vehicles. When they are in an emergency, they use sirens and special lights to indicate their priority on the road. In these situations, all other vehicles and pedestrians must give way to them.

   Additionally, the drivers of these vehicles can exceed speed limits and are not required to follow traffic signals, except for the instructions of traffic officers. However, they must ensure not to endanger others when crossing intersections or red lights.

   Therefore, as a general rule, it is essential to facilitate the passage of these vehicles so they can perform their duties efficiently and safely.

   Hint:

   Emergency service vehicles, such as ambulances and police cars, have the right of way on all public roads, and it is mandatory to yield to them to ensure their smooth and safe passage.

2. Question 2In a tunnel, if you are driving with no intention of overtaking, you must keep a distance from the vehicle in front of...

   
   • at least 150 metres.
   • at least 100 metres.Correct answer
   • 50 metres when driving below the maximum permitted speed.

   Explanation

   When driving through a tunnel, it is important to maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from the vehicle in front. This distance is crucial to ensure safety, as tunnels are enclosed spaces where conditions can be more challenging, such as reduced visibility and lack of space for emergency maneuvers.

   • Safety distance: Maintaining at least 100 meters allows enough time to react to any unforeseen events, such as sudden braking by the vehicle in front.

   • Exception for heavy vehicles: Vehicles that can carry more than 3,500 kilos must maintain an even greater distance of 150 meters, due to their greater weight and the additional distance they need to stop.

   These measures are part of the preventive driving rules, which aim to minimize risks and avoid accidents in situations where visibility and space are limited, such as in tunnels.

   Hint:

   In a tunnel, it is mandatory to maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from the vehicle in front to ensure safety and allow for an appropriate reaction to unforeseen situations.

3. Question 3To avoid an accident in the event of sudden braking, should you adjust your speed and the safety distance from the vehicle in front if you are driving a loaded van?

   
   • Yes, the weight of the load reduces the braking distance.
   • No, the weight of the load does not affect the braking distance.
   • Yes, the weight of the load increases the braking distance.Correct answer

   Explanation

   To avoid accidents when driving a loaded van, it is crucial to adapt the speed and the safety distance with the vehicle in front. This is because the weight of the load increases the braking distance.

   • Safety distance: It is the minimum space you must maintain with the vehicle in front to avoid collisions in case of sudden braking. When the vehicle is loaded, the braking distance increases, so it is necessary to increase this safety distance.

   • Factors affecting braking distance: In addition to the weight of the load, other factors such as speed, road conditions, and vehicle conditions also influence the braking distance. A loaded vehicle has more inertia, which means it needs more space to come to a complete stop.

   • Preventive driving: Maintaining an adequate distance and adapting the speed are preventive driving practices that help avoid accidents, especially when transporting heavy loads.

   In summary, when driving a loaded van, it is essential to increase the safety distance and adjust the speed to compensate for the increase in braking distance due to the additional weight.

   Hint:

   The weight of the load in a van increases inertia, which lengthens the braking distance, so it is necessary to adjust the speed and the safety distance to prevent accidents.

4. Question 4When approaching a pedestrian crossing, what should you do?

   
   • Reduce your speed, stopping if necessary.Correct answer
   • Always stop.
   • Use the horn to warn pedestrians.

   Explanation

   When approaching a pedestrian crossing, it is important to reduce speed and be prepared to stop if necessary. This is because pedestrians have the right of way at pedestrian crossings, which means drivers must yield to them.

   • Reducing speed allows the driver more time to react if a pedestrian decides to cross.
   • Stopping is necessary if there are pedestrians crossing or if they are approaching the pedestrian crossing, thus ensuring their safety.

   

   It is not appropriate to use the horn to warn pedestrians, as it may scare them or cause confusion. Additionally, it is not necessary to stop all the time, only when there are pedestrians crossing or about to cross. Reducing speed and stopping if necessary ensures that the pedestrians' right of way is respected and accidents are avoided.

   Hint:

   When approaching a pedestrian crossing, it is essential to reduce speed and stop if necessary, as pedestrians have the right of way when crossing and their safety must be prioritized.

5. Question 5What color are the lights on most priority police vehicles?

   
   • BlueCorrect answer
   • White
   • Amber

   Explanation

   The flashing light of priority vehicles, such as police cars, is blue. These vehicles use blue lights to indicate that they are on an emergency service. Additionally, they can combine these lights with a siren to alert other drivers of their presence and need for passage.

   

   Therefore, the blue color is what identifies most police priority vehicles.

   Hint:

   Most priority vehicles, such as police cars, use blue lights to highlight their special function and ensure that other drivers move out of their way in emergency situations.

6. Question 6Which is one of the offences committed by drivers that poses the greatest risk to pedestrians?

   
   • Failing to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
   • Failing to respect the right of way at pedestrian crossings.Correct answer
   • Driving on a dual carriageway in the opposite direction to that established.

   Explanation

   To protect pedestrians, it is crucial that drivers respect their priority at pedestrian crossings. Failing to do so is one of the most dangerous infractions for them.

   • Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in the event of a collision, as they often suffer serious injuries, and the risk of death increases on roads where vehicles travel at higher speeds.
   • Collisions occur more frequently in areas where drivers cannot see pedestrians well due to obstacles. Therefore, it is essential that drivers pay attention and yield at pedestrian crossings.

   • Additionally, drivers must drive at a moderate speed, especially in urban areas, and be attentive to pedestrians who may cross distracted, for example, while using their mobile phones.
   • Respecting the priority of pedestrians is not only a legal obligation but an essential measure to prevent accidents and protect the lives of people walking on public roads.
   Hint:

   Drivers must respect the right of way at pedestrian crossings because pedestrians are one of the most vulnerable groups on the roads, and failing to do so poses a significant risk to their safety.

7. Question 7Must you give way to the blue vehicle on the left?

   
   • Yes, since it is traveling on a paved road.
   • No.Correct answer
   • Yes, because it is traveling on a road of the same category.

   Explanation

   General rule of priority: priority to the right

   • This sign indicates that there is no specific priority; the general rule applies.
   • At intersections like this, the vehicle arriving from your right has the right of way.
   • Therefore, you do not yield to the vehicle coming from the left; you maintain priority over it.

8. Question 8Must a car, on a road that crosses a bicycle lane, give way to cyclists?

   
   • Only if they are approaching from the right.
   • No, cyclists will never have right of way over motor vehicles.
   • Yes, always.Correct answer

   Explanation

   Cyclists have the right of way in certain specific situations. One of these situations is when they are traveling on a bike lane, a cyclist crossing, or a well-marked shoulder. In these cases, cars must always yield to them.

   

   Additionally, if a vehicle is going to turn right or left and there are cyclists nearby, it must also yield to them. This ensures the safety of cyclists and prevents accidents. Therefore, on a road that crosses a bike lane, the car must always yield to cyclists.

   Hint:

   Cyclists have the right of way in bike lanes, so motor vehicles must yield to them to ensure their safety.

9. Question 9How should you cross a level crossing?

   
   • Slowly and with the sidelights on so that we can be seen.
   • Without delay, after checking that there is no risk of having to stop on the railway track.Correct answer
   • Very quickly so as not to coincide with the train.

   Explanation

   To cross a level crossing, it is essential to do so without delay once you have verified that there is no risk of being stopped on the railway track. Here we explain why:

   • Caution when approaching: As you approach a level crossing, you must reduce your speed and be more cautious. This allows you to assess the situation calmly and ensure it is safe to cross.

   • Conditions for crossing: You must not cross if the crossing is closed, the barriers are moving, or if a traffic light indicates to stop. In these cases, wait until the crossing is completely clear.

   • Avoid getting trapped: Before crossing, make sure there is no risk of getting trapped in the middle of the level crossing. This is crucial to avoid dangerous situations, such as the arrival of a train while you are on the track.

   • Action in case of emergency: If a vehicle gets trapped, passengers should exit the vehicle, and the driver should attempt to move it. If this is not possible, they must alert the trains and other drivers about the situation.

   By following these guidelines, you will cross the level crossing safely and without unnecessary risks.

   Hint:

   The correct action is to cross without delay after ensuring there is no risk of being stopped on the railway track, as it is essential to make sure the track is clear and no train is approaching to ensure safety.

10. Question 10A car wants to cross this area. Must it give way?

    
    • No, because the car has priority.
    • Yes, to cyclists using the cycle lane.Correct answer
    • Yes, but only if the cyclist cannot brake in time.

    Explanation

    Cyclists’ priority on cycle lanes

    • Cyclists have right of way over motor vehicles when riding on a cycle lane, a cycle crossing, or a properly signposted hard shoulder.
    • They also retain priority:
    • When riding in a group and the first has already begun to cross or has entered a roundabout.
    • When a motor vehicle turns right or left to enter another road and there is a nearby cyclist.

    Practical application: if a passenger car is going to cross a cycle lane, it must give way to the cyclists riding on it.

11. Question 11Which of these types of vehicles is considered a priority vehicle?

    
    • Private vehicle with a child under 12 years old inside.
    • Road works warning vehicle.
    • Fire engine.Correct answer

    Explanation

    A fire truck is considered a priority vehicle because it is designed to perform emergency services. These vehicles, which also include police cars, ambulances, and civil protection vehicles, have the ability to activate blue lights and sirens to indicate that they are in an emergency. This grants them right of way on all roads, and other drivers and pedestrians must yield to them.

    

    Additionally, priority vehicles can exceed speed limits and are not required to follow traffic signals, except those indicated by traffic officers. This allows them to act quickly in emergency situations, ensuring they do not endanger other road users.

    Hint:

    Fire trucks are considered priority vehicles because they are equipped to perform emergency services, which allows them to have the right of way on all roads.

12. Question 12What is the first thing you must do if your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?

    
    • Evacuate the passengers from the vehicle.
    • Switch on the hazard warning lights.Correct answer
    • Use the portable warning devices.

    Explanation

    When a vehicle experiences a breakdown in a tunnel, it is crucial to follow certain steps to ensure the safety of all occupants and other drivers.

    • The first thing to do is to activate the emergency signal. This is fundamental because the emergency lights alert other drivers that there is a stopped vehicle, which helps prevent additional accidents.

    • After turning on the emergency lights, you should try to move the vehicle to an emergency reserved area or, if that is not possible, move it as close as possible to the right edge of the road. This minimizes traffic obstruction and facilitates the passage of emergency vehicles if necessary.

    • In case the vehicle cannot be moved, it is important that all passengers exit the vehicle and go to a safe place, such as a shelter or tunnel exit. However, this is done after the emergency lights have been turned on.

    

    Therefore, turning on the emergency lights is the essential first step to ensure that the vehicle is visible to other drivers and to initiate the safety protocol in case of a breakdown in a tunnel.

    Hint:

    It is essential to turn on the emergency signal so that other drivers recognize there is a stopped vehicle, thereby ensuring safety in the tunnel.

13. Question 13A moped and a car arrive at the same time at a road narrowing where right of way is not signposted. Which vehicle will go first?

    
    • The car.Correct answer
    • The moped.
    • The one with the lower maximum authorized mass.

    Explanation

    In a situation where a moped and a car arrive at the same time at a narrowing without priority signage, the car has the right of way to go first. This is because, according to the rules of priority for driving in narrow areas, cars have priority over mopeds.

    The order of priority establishes that cars and car-derived vehicles are above two-wheeled mopeds. Therefore, in the absence of signs and if both vehicles arrive at the same time, the car will go first.

    Hint:

    In situations of narrowing without signage, the car has the right of way because it is a larger vehicle with greater maneuverability than a moped.

14. Question 14In front of this traffic light that is switched off, what must you do?

    
    • Proceed without stopping.
    • Stop and then give way.
    • Give way to vehicles coming from the right.Correct answer

    Explanation

    Traffic light off: priority to the right

    • If a traffic light is off and there are no priority signals, the general rule of priority to the right applies.
    • You must yield to vehicles approaching from your right, regardless of the type of vehicle.
    • Act with caution: reduce speed, observe all access roads, and stop if necessary to allow the vehicle coming from the right to pass.

15. Question 15By means of which warning is the presence of a non-priority vehicle on an emergency service indicated?

    
    • By using the brake lights intermittently
    • By using the horn or the hazard warning lightsCorrect answer
    • Only by waving a handkerchief out of the front passenger window

    Explanation

    To warn of the presence of a non-priority vehicle in an emergency service, the horn or hazard lights should be used. This is because:

    • Acoustic signals, such as the horn, are used to warn other drivers in specific situations, such as avoiding accidents or when it is necessary to pass due to an urgent service.
    • Although priority vehicles, like ambulances and police cars, use blue lights and sirens, non-priority vehicles do not have these signals. Therefore, they must resort to the horn or hazard lights to indicate their urgency.

    

    • Other options, such as waving a handkerchief or using brake lights, are not recognized or effective methods to warn other drivers of an emergency situation.
    Hint:

    The warning of the presence of a non-priority vehicle in emergency service is carried out using the horn and the emergency light, as these signals are essential to alert other drivers and ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.

16. Question 16On a conventional road, is a pedestrian allowed to walk on the carriageway?

    
    • Yes, when there is no hard shoulder or it is not passable.Correct answer
    • No.
    • Yes, when pulling a vehicle.

    Explanation

    On a conventional road, pedestrians may walk on the roadway when there is no shoulder or it is not passable. The shoulder is the lateral part of the road, and it is intended for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. If it does not exist or cannot be used, pedestrians are allowed to walk on the roadway.

    Additionally, it is important for pedestrians to follow certain safety rules when walking on roads outside urban areas. For example, they should walk on the left side of the road to see oncoming traffic and, at night, wear luminous or reflective elements to be visible to drivers.

    These measures ensure that pedestrians can walk safely when there is no shoulder available.

    Hint:

    A pedestrian is allowed to walk on the roadway when there is no shoulder or it is not passable, to ensure their safety in the absence of suitable alternatives.

17. Question 17When approaching a movable bridge, how should you act?

    
    • By always stopping before crossing.
    • By reducing your speed, but only if the bridge is in motion.
    • By reducing your speed below the maximum permitted and stopping if necessary.Correct answer

    Explanation

    Movable bridge: Safe approach actions

    • On a movable bridge, there is a risk of becoming immobilized due to narrowing, oncoming traffic, or the bridge's own maneuvers.
    • To maintain control and ability to react, you should reduce speed below the permitted limit.
    • If it is anticipated that you will not be able to cross continuously, stop before entering and wait until it is safe.
    • Drive with greater attention, keeping enough space to exit the bridge without stopping inside.

18. Question 18Why must we keep a vehicle to the right in the event of a fire inside a tunnel?

    
    • To allow the passage of pedestrians who have left their vehicles.
    • To avoid obstructing the passage of emergency vehicles.Correct answer
    • To allow the vehicles in front of us to overtake us.

    Explanation

    In the event of a fire inside a tunnel, it is crucial for drivers to move their vehicle to the right. This is done to leave space free and allow the passage of emergency vehicles that need to quickly reach the scene of the incident to control the fire and assist affected individuals.

    • Moving to the right ensures that the central lanes are clear so that emergency services can advance without obstacles.
    • Additionally, by leaving the vehicle on the right side, it facilitates the evacuation of people towards the nearest shelters or exits, always in the opposite direction of the fire.

    

    Therefore, the action of moving the vehicle to the right is essential to not obstruct the passage of emergency vehicles and ensure a quick and effective response to the fire.

    Hint:

    Keeping the vehicle to the right in a tunnel in case of a fire is crucial to avoid obstructing the passage of emergency vehicles that need to respond to the situation quickly.

19. Question 19What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?

    
    • Stop the vehicle anywhere in the tunnel to avoid danger, even if the breakdown still allows the vehicle to move.
    • If the breakdown still allows the vehicle to move, you must continue driving until you exit the tunnel or reach an emergency area.Correct answer
    • Switch on the full beam headlights so you can be seen better and have all occupants get out of the vehicle.

    Explanation

    If your vehicle suffers a breakdown in a tunnel and can still move, it is important to continue driving until you exit the tunnel or reach an emergency reserved area. This is crucial to avoid obstructing traffic and ensure the safety of all tunnel users.

    • Continue driving: If the vehicle can still move, even at a reduced speed, you should try to exit the tunnel or reach an emergency area. This helps minimize the risk of accidents and facilitates access to assistance services if necessary.

    • Emergency areas: These areas are designed for situations like breakdowns, where vehicles can stop without obstructing the flow of traffic. Upon reaching one of these areas, you can safely request help.

    • Safety in the tunnel: Stopping inside the tunnel unnecessarily can be dangerous due to lack of visibility and limited space. Therefore, it is preferable to continue to a safe place.

    

    In summary, if your vehicle can continue moving, you should do so until you exit the tunnel or reach an emergency area. This ensures your safety and that of other drivers.

    Hint:

    It is important to continue until exiting the tunnel or reaching an emergency area if the breakdown allows for movement, to avoid obstructing traffic and prevent hazardous situations.

20. Question 20When crossing a road on which animals without a designated lane are moving, what must you do?

    
    • Signal to make them move aside.
    • Give them the right of way.Correct answer
    • Give them the right of way only when they are moving in a group.

    Explanation

    When you encounter animals on the road that do not have a specific lane to travel, it is important to yield to them. This is due to several reasons:

    • Right of way: Animals have the right of way in certain situations, such as when a vehicle crosses a shoulder where animals are traveling and have no other place to go. This means that if there is no specific path for them, like a drovers' road, animals must be prioritized.

    • Traffic rules for animals: Animals, such as livestock or those transporting people, must travel on the right shoulder or, if there is no shoulder, as close as possible to the right edge of the road. This indicates that they do not always have a dedicated and safe space to travel, so it is crucial for drivers to yield to them to avoid accidents.

    • Safety and control: Animals on the road must always be guided by a person over 18 years old, which implies that their movement is controlled and predictable, but also that they need space and time to move safely.

    For these reasons, yielding to animals is the correct and safe action when they are on the road without a specific lane.

    Hint:

    Animals have the right of way under certain conditions, especially when they do not have a dedicated lane, to ensure their safety and that of the drivers.