Driving test- what happens when you give right of way but the other person doesn't go?

This happened in my test today. The other car had right of way, no question, but they stopped and did not move for what felt like an eternity until I finally decided to go.

It's complicated by the fact that it was a road with parked cars all down the side. I had pulled in to let them go, and they just stopped in the middle of the road and sat there. When I went, it forced them to pull in to a space on their side and let me go. I thought perhaps they were waiting for me to emerge before pulling in, and so someone needed to take the lead. I didn't know how long I could just sit there in that stalemate before failing for undue hesistation- I know being "too careful" makes a lot of people fail so I was paranoid about that.

I didn't fail for that- it was just a minor, but it's been bugging me because she had a go at me about it right then and there so I thought it must be quite serious.

Do any examiners/instructors out there have an opinion on this? What should I have done?

Britbloke

Hi,

Truth is, it's very hard to advise without actually seeing what happened, the layout of the parked cars, road conditions, other traffic etc..

Generally, if the oncoming traffic has priority, you must wait. It could be the other vehicle stopped for something you hadn't seen - like a vehicle coming out of a side road or something. So wait until they come through. If THEY flash you to come through, it's ok to respond to that as long as you check to make sure it's safe - make your own decision on that, don't rely on the other driver!

As for flashing them, don't! The reason is simple - how is the other driver to know it is them you are flashing or, even worse, what if there is another vehicle you haven't seen who thinks your are flashing them, then they pull out into the path of the vehicle you are flashing and crashes into them?! This why the Highway Code says light flashing should only mean "I am here" - that way, there's no confusion.

In a nutshell, to be sure, you should have waited. But I'm surprised the examiner had a go at you while you were still driving - that's very poor.

Better luck next time :-)

UCANTCME

I would just wait.........people drive too crazy and you never know what they will do...so just wait.

bungee

you both sit there until one of you die of old age then the other one can go<

sponge

In this situation know one has the right of way, it's a case of using your own judgement, you proseed on when safe to do so,bearing in mind you'll be on there side of the road, what you should have done is wait till the road ahead is clear, then make progress.

good luck next time..

Trebor Wyn R

You done the right thing by using your judgement, as regards Flashing lights or someone flashing their light to let you out, you do that you will fail that I will guarantee, Good Luck with your next test.

andads

If it is the other drivers priority [no such thing as right of way] you should wait. however,if the other driver stops, he has given up his priority so you should go, after all he has now become a stationary vehicle.
According to the Highway Code, flashing your headlights means 'I am here' if you flash or even call some one on, and they hit an other car it may be construed as being your fault,it is a principle of driving that you tell others what you are going to do, not what they should do

sunflower

tough one...sometimes in this scenario, the other person isn't paying attention and if you decide to go, they may suddenly realize that they didn't need to stop and then run into you. Blink or wave them through, and if they don't go, then cautiously proceed.

Hindmarsh

Its hard to say what is correct during the test, as you say he had right of way but didnt go and you didnt want 2 fail for undue hesitation, In real life you would stop and give them a few seconds flash your lights or horn, then say what a idiot then put your foot down

Dave

There's a huge difference between how you drive for your test and how you drive in real life. I'd have given him until the count of 3 before going. Or flashed him to let him come on through. I don't think you're allowed to flash for this reason though. In the real world, flashing someone means;

A, Speed trap / pigs about
B, You go first
C, Thanks {for letting me through}
D, Your welcome {for letting me through}
E, Danger.

{In that order}

carnival queen

Not sure how long you should wait in that situation, will be interesting to see the replies you get.

I don't think the examiner should have discussed it with you whilst in the middle of your test.

PS - better luck next time.

King Cobra32

You should have went right away..If the other person that has right of way decides not to go then you automatically have the right of way..i'm sorry for you if you failed..:(

Sounds like you did right there to me, maybe you could have flashed your lights before you pulled in so they new you were waiting for them. They could have been waiting for some other reason?

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