Stop and give-way signs can cause confusions, and I've seen people fail the test many times because of these. This is a simple guide on understanding the difference between a stop sign and give-way sign. And how to use these signs correctly and easily.
First you need to understand the different type of road signs (which you can read here).
Most people don't know the difference between a stop sign and give-way sign. They think the stop sign has to stop, therefore the give-way gets right of way over the stop sign. This is wrong!
Both a stop sign and give-way sign are considered equal, they're basically the same sign! The only difference is the stop sign is more dangerous, so they want you to stop and be sure.
Many years ago in America they thought road signs should be designed for people who can't read, and be visually obvious and clear. As a result they decided the more sides to a sign the more dangerous or important it is.
This is very important, a give-way sign has three sides as it's a bit tricky but not dangerous. But a stop sign, it has eight sides as it's very dangerous. Think of a stop sign as a dangerous give-way sign, not a different sign.
So a give-way sign does NOT always get right of way over a stop sign, they're the same sign so both cars would be equal. And if equal we use the Straight, Left, Right rule (click here to read more on this).
People fail the test when they just blow through the sign, failing to give way is an instant fail as it's breaking the law and can result in a fine and demerits. You must pause, even if it's completely empty and you're sure it's safe. Pause anyway, just for a moment.
Another issue learners have (especially at the start or if nervous) is stopping at the sign. It's a pause, not a stop. Stopping for a few moments at a few give-way signs is ok, but stopping at every give-way sign on the test is an issue.
People think if they're "over safe" on the test they'll pass. But this is not what they're looking for, the test is determining if the person is safe to drive on their own as a normal driver. That they're no longer a leaner.
Stopping at every give-way sign shows the driver is not ready to drive on their own, and is holding up traffic. However, if the give-way sign has bad vision or is dangerous then stopping is fine.
As you can see in the picture above, the give-way signs have a dashed line before the intersection to show you where to stop. But the line might be missing, it could be worn out or not painted yet, or simply not there. If there's a sign and no line, it still counts as a give-way.
Also, if there's a dashed line like this but not give-way sign it still counts. The sign might be knocked over or being replaced. But even without the sign, if there's a dashed line it still counts as a give-way.
Stop Signs
Stop signs are red and white octagons, with a solid line next to them along the intersection.
Stop signs are a big reason people fail the driving test, because they don't stop correctly. It sounds easy, and it is very easy, but it's also very easy to get wrong.
It's very important to stop properly at stop signs as they're on dangerous intersections, places that are difficult or where there's been accidents. Stop-sign related accidents are also usually bad, resulting in serious injury or death. Respect the stop signs and obey them.
Failing to stop at a stop-sign correctly is an instant fail on the test, and can result in fines or demerits as it's against the law.
To stop correctly simply come to a stop before the solid white line (or start of the intersection if the line is worn out/missing).
Never stop across or on the line (as that's an instant fail for entering without stopping). Also, don't stop too far from the line as then it doesn't count as stopping at the intersection.
Come to a complete stop, then wait for a safe amount of time. Technically there's no rule or law on how long you must stop for, as long as it's safe for the conditions. But everyone uses the estimation of three seconds, which is perfect in most situations. So come to a complete stop, then start counting for three seconds while looking around.
Do NOT start counting while moving, many people start counting before they've completely stopped. So they end up only actually stopping for one second, which isn't safe and results in an instant fail or could get the driver booked.
Also, do NOT start driving off before the three seconds is up, there's no hurry on the test so don't rush it. Take your time and make sure you stop for a nice safe amount of time. But, as always, don't be silly. Don't stop for ages for no reason, if you waited for three and it's safe go. Holding up traffic is a fail and causes stress.
Look around while stopped, a HUGE issue learners have (and bad drivers) is tunnel vision or focused vision. While waiting keep your eyes and head moving, look left and right. Even if you know it's clear, check it every now and then anyway. This means you see a larger picture and don't get surprised. A good driver very rarely gets surprised.
As you can see in the picture above, the stop sign has a solid line painted next to it. Just like a give-way sign, if the line or sign are missing it still counts as a stop sign intersection.
This is one thing that gets people on the test, they don't see a sign and so they don't stop. I have no sympathy for this, stop signs are only placed on dangerous or difficult intersections. Just because the sign isn't there doesn't mean the intersection isn't dangerous.
More Information:
- My explination of the Straight, Left, Right rule and how stop signs and give-way signs can be equal:
http://australiandrivertraining.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/right-of-way-straight-left-right.html
- SA page explaining giving way in detail:
http://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/the-drivers-handbook/giving-way
- NSW guide to intersections:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/intersections.html
First you need to understand the different type of road signs (which you can read here).
Most people don't know the difference between a stop sign and give-way sign. They think the stop sign has to stop, therefore the give-way gets right of way over the stop sign. This is wrong!
Both a stop sign and give-way sign are considered equal, they're basically the same sign! The only difference is the stop sign is more dangerous, so they want you to stop and be sure.
Many years ago in America they thought road signs should be designed for people who can't read, and be visually obvious and clear. As a result they decided the more sides to a sign the more dangerous or important it is.
This is very important, a give-way sign has three sides as it's a bit tricky but not dangerous. But a stop sign, it has eight sides as it's very dangerous. Think of a stop sign as a dangerous give-way sign, not a different sign.
So a give-way sign does NOT always get right of way over a stop sign, they're the same sign so both cars would be equal. And if equal we use the Straight, Left, Right rule (click here to read more on this).
Give Way Signs
Give way signs are simple, they're triangle shaped with a dotted line at the intersection next to them. When approaching these signs you must pause, check, then proceed through the intersection (if it's safe).People fail the test when they just blow through the sign, failing to give way is an instant fail as it's breaking the law and can result in a fine and demerits. You must pause, even if it's completely empty and you're sure it's safe. Pause anyway, just for a moment.Another issue learners have (especially at the start or if nervous) is stopping at the sign. It's a pause, not a stop. Stopping for a few moments at a few give-way signs is ok, but stopping at every give-way sign on the test is an issue.
People think if they're "over safe" on the test they'll pass. But this is not what they're looking for, the test is determining if the person is safe to drive on their own as a normal driver. That they're no longer a leaner.
Stopping at every give-way sign shows the driver is not ready to drive on their own, and is holding up traffic. However, if the give-way sign has bad vision or is dangerous then stopping is fine.
 |
| You can see both cars are on a give-way sign. Also, the give-way sign has a dashed line next to it, before the intersection, to show you where to stop. |
As you can see in the picture above, the give-way signs have a dashed line before the intersection to show you where to stop. But the line might be missing, it could be worn out or not painted yet, or simply not there. If there's a sign and no line, it still counts as a give-way.
Also, if there's a dashed line like this but not give-way sign it still counts. The sign might be knocked over or being replaced. But even without the sign, if there's a dashed line it still counts as a give-way.
Stop Signs
Stop signs are red and white octagons, with a solid line next to them along the intersection.
Stop signs are a big reason people fail the driving test, because they don't stop correctly. It sounds easy, and it is very easy, but it's also very easy to get wrong. It's very important to stop properly at stop signs as they're on dangerous intersections, places that are difficult or where there's been accidents. Stop-sign related accidents are also usually bad, resulting in serious injury or death. Respect the stop signs and obey them.
Failing to stop at a stop-sign correctly is an instant fail on the test, and can result in fines or demerits as it's against the law.
To stop correctly simply come to a stop before the solid white line (or start of the intersection if the line is worn out/missing).
Never stop across or on the line (as that's an instant fail for entering without stopping). Also, don't stop too far from the line as then it doesn't count as stopping at the intersection.
Come to a complete stop, then wait for a safe amount of time. Technically there's no rule or law on how long you must stop for, as long as it's safe for the conditions. But everyone uses the estimation of three seconds, which is perfect in most situations. So come to a complete stop, then start counting for three seconds while looking around.
Do NOT start counting while moving, many people start counting before they've completely stopped. So they end up only actually stopping for one second, which isn't safe and results in an instant fail or could get the driver booked.
Also, do NOT start driving off before the three seconds is up, there's no hurry on the test so don't rush it. Take your time and make sure you stop for a nice safe amount of time. But, as always, don't be silly. Don't stop for ages for no reason, if you waited for three and it's safe go. Holding up traffic is a fail and causes stress.
Look around while stopped, a HUGE issue learners have (and bad drivers) is tunnel vision or focused vision. While waiting keep your eyes and head moving, look left and right. Even if you know it's clear, check it every now and then anyway. This means you see a larger picture and don't get surprised. A good driver very rarely gets surprised.
As you can see in the picture above, the stop sign has a solid line painted next to it. Just like a give-way sign, if the line or sign are missing it still counts as a stop sign intersection.
This is one thing that gets people on the test, they don't see a sign and so they don't stop. I have no sympathy for this, stop signs are only placed on dangerous or difficult intersections. Just because the sign isn't there doesn't mean the intersection isn't dangerous.
More Information:
- My explination of the Straight, Left, Right rule and how stop signs and give-way signs can be equal:
http://australiandrivertraining.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/right-of-way-straight-left-right.html
- SA page explaining giving way in detail:
http://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/the-drivers-handbook/giving-way
- NSW guide to intersections:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/intersections.html