4-way stops
A 4-way stop (also called an all-way stop) has a STOP sign on all approaches. Every vehicle must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
The rules, in order:
- First to arrive, first to go. The vehicle that stopped first proceeds first. If you arrived after another vehicle, wait.
- Simultaneous arrival: yield to the right. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has right of way. The vehicle on the left must yield.
- Opposing traffic, turning left vs straight: If you and an oncoming vehicle arrive simultaneously and one is going straight and one is turning left, the turning vehicle yields.
- Two vehicles side-by-side (opposite directions): Both can proceed - they're not crossing each other's path.
What "complete stop" means
The vehicle must be fully stationary - not still rolling at 2 km/h. Traffic officers enforce this. The K53 test examiner watches for a genuine stop, not a slow-roll.
Common mistakes
- Creeping forward before the vehicle ahead has cleared the intersection
- Arriving at the same time and both drivers waiting for the other (mutual yielding deadlock) - one must go, yield to the right and wave if needed
- Not re-stopping after rolling slightly forward while waiting
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Roundabouts
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic travels counterclockwise (because SA drives on the left, you travel around the island to your left).
The core rule: Under the NRTA, you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. In a roundabout, that means vehicles coming from your right before you enter. Do not enter when traffic on your right is present.
Entering:
- Approach at a controlled speed
- Yield to vehicles on your right (in practice, this means vehicles already in the circulating lane to your right)
- Enter only when it is clear on your right
- No stop sign = yield before entering, not a mandatory stop (unless you need to stop to give way)
Inside the roundabout:
- Stay in your lane if the roundabout has painted lanes
- Single-lane roundabout: drive just left of centre
- Do not cut across the central island
Exiting:
- Signal left as you approach your exit
- Check your mirrors and left blind spot
- Move to the left lane if there are multiple lanes
- Exit, cancel your indicator
Multi-lane roundabouts
| Destination | Lane to use |
|---|---|
| First exit (immediately left) | Left lane; signal left on approach |
| Straight ahead (2nd exit, roughly) | Either lane; signal left to exit |
| Right / U-turn (3rd–4th exit) | Right lane; signal left to exit only |
The learner's test angle
Both 4-way stops and roundabouts are tested in the road signs and rules sections. Expect questions on:
- Who proceeds first when two vehicles arrive simultaneously at a 4-way stop
- What the yield-to-right rule means
- When you must signal at a roundabout
- Right of way at a roundabout (yield to vehicles on your right before entering)
Test your knowledge on these and other rules in our free practice test.
Frequently asked
- Who goes first at a 4-way stop if two cars arrive at the same time?
- The vehicle to the right goes first. If you and another driver arrive simultaneously, yield to the car on your right.
- Who has right of way at a roundabout in South Africa?
- Under the NRTA, you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. In a South African roundabout (counter-clockwise flow), this means yielding to traffic coming from your right before entering. Do not enter when a vehicle on your right is approaching.
- Do you need to signal when leaving a roundabout?
- Yes. Indicate left as you approach your exit. This tells vehicles waiting to enter that you are leaving, and they can enter after you.
- What if someone ignores the 4-way stop rule?
- Yield anyway - right of way does not give you the right to crash. If someone jumps the queue, let them go and proceed when it's genuinely clear.
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.