Right of Way: practice questions

Correct answer: Traffic already circulating on the roundabout

Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority. Wait at the give-way line until there is a safe gap in the circulating traffic before you enter.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Roundabouts (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Pull over safely to the right when possible and let it pass

Emergency vehicles have absolute right of way. Move to the side safely, slow down if needed and let it through; speeding up or stopping abruptly in a live lane creates extra danger.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, giving way to emergency vehicles (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: The vehicle approaching from your right

Where no sign or signal assigns priority and roads are of equal status, give way to traffic coming from your right. When in doubt, proceed only when it is clearly safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Priority at junctions (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: The oncoming traffic going straight ahead

A vehicle turning left across the path of oncoming traffic must give way. Wait for a safe gap before completing the turn; signalling does not give you priority.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Turning and priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way and let the pedestrians finish crossing

Pedestrians who are crossing the road you are turning into have priority. You must give way and allow them to complete their crossing safely.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, pedestrian priority when turning (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way to traffic on the main road and merge into a safe gap

Traffic already on the main road has priority. Use the acceleration lane to match its speed and merge into a safe gap without forcing others to brake.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Merging and slip roads (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: False

A signal only tells others what you intend to do. It does not create priority; you must still give way according to the rules and only move when it is safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Signalling and priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Obey the police officer's signal and stop

A police officer directing traffic overrides traffic lights and signs. You must follow the officer's instructions even when they conflict with a green light.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Police hand signals override (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way to the vehicle on your right and proceed only when clear

When both must give way and arrive together, yield to the vehicle on your right and make eye contact to confirm intentions before moving off safely.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Give Way priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Absolute right of way over other traffic

Under UAE traffic law, emergency vehicles with active lights and sirens are granted absolute right of way. All other drivers must give way and clear a path for them.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, emergency vehicle absolute right of way (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Move to the sides so a lane opens for it

In congestion, drivers should ease to the sides to open a corridor for the emergency vehicle. Crossing into oncoming lanes or tailgating the ambulance is dangerous and not permitted.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, giving way to emergency vehicles in congestion (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Traffic already travelling in the lane you want to enter

Vehicles already in the target lane have priority. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and only move across when there is a clear, safe gap.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Lane changing (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Stop completely, then give way to traffic on the other road

A STOP sign always requires a full stop at the line, followed by giving way to traffic on the priority road. You may proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, STOP sign priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Vehicles in the outer lane who may continue around

Leaving from an inner lane means crossing the outer lane. Signal early, check for vehicles in the outer lane that may be going further round, and exit only when it is safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Exiting roundabouts (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Right of way is something you give, not something you take by force. Defensive driving means yielding when needed to prevent a crash, even if priority was technically yours.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Defensive driving and priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow down and stop to let the pedestrian cross

At a marked pedestrian crossing without signals, pedestrians have priority. Slow down and stop to let them cross safely.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, pedestrian crossings (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: The side-road vehicle should give way to you

Traffic on the priority road keeps its right of way. The vehicle at the give-way line must wait for a safe gap, but stay alert in case it pulls out anyway.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Priority roads (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way and do not cut into or break up the convoy

Authorised and escorted processions are given right of way under UAE law. Other drivers must give way and must not cut into, split, or join such a convoy.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, priority for authorised processions (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Check the junction is clear and give way to anyone still crossing

Green means you may go only if the way is clear. Always check that the junction is free of pedestrians or vehicles still crossing before you proceed.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Traffic lights (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: With caution, giving way as if there were give-way rules

When signals fail, treat the junction with great caution and be prepared to give way. Slow down, watch all approaches and proceed only when it is clearly safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Failed signals (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Stop and wait until the signal is withdrawn and children are clear

When a school bus shows its red stop signal, drivers in both directions must stop and wait. Children may cross unexpectedly, so do not move until the signal is off and the way is clear.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, school bus stop signal (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: False

It is the other way round: vehicles already on the roundabout have priority, and entering vehicles must give way to them.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Roundabout priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way to all traffic and pedestrians already on the road

When emerging from a driveway or car park, you have the least priority. You must give way to all road users already on the carriageway and the footpath before joining.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Emerging onto a road (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Take turns, letting one vehicle from each lane merge alternately

Safe merging uses a 'zip' approach: vehicles from each lane take turns. This keeps traffic flowing smoothly and avoids blocking or aggressive cutting in.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Merging at lane closures (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: You, because the obstruction is on your side

When an obstruction is on your side of the road, the oncoming traffic effectively has priority. You should slow or wait in a safe place and let oncoming vehicles pass first.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Obstructions and priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: You, because the other vehicle must stop and give way

A STOP sign assigns priority to the road without it. The vehicle facing the STOP sign must stop and give way, so the unsigned road proceeds first.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, STOP sign priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Always, regardless of which way you are turning

Whether you turn left or right, pedestrians already crossing the road you enter have priority. You must give way to them every time.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, pedestrian priority when turning (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: It is informal and you must still judge for yourself that it is safe

Flashing headlights is not an authorised right-of-way signal. Treat it only as a courtesy and proceed only after you have checked for yourself that the move is genuinely safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Signals and courtesy (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: The tram, so you must give way and not block the tracks

Trams run on fixed rails and cannot swerve, so they are given priority at crossings. Give way, obey the crossing signals, and never stop on the tracks.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Tram crossings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Both may proceed, as you are not crossing each other's path

Two vehicles going straight from opposite directions do not conflict, so both may proceed with care. Right-of-way conflicts arise mainly when paths cross, such as turning across oncoming traffic.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Junction priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow down and let the bus rejoin the traffic when safe

Drivers are expected to give way to a bus signalling to leave a stop where it is safe to do so. Slowing to let it rejoin keeps traffic moving smoothly and is safer for passengers.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Buses and shared roads (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: False

You should not enter a junction unless you can clear it. Stopping in the middle blocks cross traffic, so wait behind the line until there is room on the far side.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Box junctions and blocking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give the cyclist room and pass only when there is a safe gap

Cyclists are vulnerable road users. Give them plenty of space and overtake only when you can do so safely, treating them with the same care as another vehicle.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, cyclists (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Brake or slow to avoid a collision even though you had priority

Avoiding the crash comes first. Even with priority, slow or brake to prevent a collision; sudden swerving can cause a worse accident with traffic you cannot see.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Defensive driving (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: You give way to the pedestrian on the crossing

A pedestrian already on a crossing has priority. As you leave the roundabout, give way and let them finish crossing before you proceed.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, pedestrian crossings (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: All other traffic, which you must give way to before turning

A U-turn is a low-priority manoeuvre. You must give way to all oncoming and crossing traffic and only begin the turn when the road is clear and it is safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, U-turns (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Stop and clear the way for both, letting them sort out priority

When more than one emergency vehicle is present, give way to all of them. Stop safely and clear the junction; the emergency drivers will manage priority between themselves.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, emergency vehicles (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow down, be ready to stop, and yield to traffic with priority

A give-way sign means you yield to traffic that has priority. You slow down and stop only if necessary to let that traffic pass safely.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Give Way signs (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Wait for green, because a red light denies you right of way

In the UAE you must wait for a green signal unless a sign specifically allows turning on red. A red light removes your right of way regardless of any gap in traffic.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Turning at signals (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Proceed with caution, giving way as needed

A flashing amber light means proceed carefully and be ready to give way. It does not grant absolute priority, so watch for crossing traffic and pedestrians.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Flashing amber signals (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Adjust speed and merge into the next safe gap without forcing in

Merging traffic gives way, but you should match speed and slot into the next safe gap rather than stop in the acceleration lane or force in, both of which are dangerous.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Merging onto motorways (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Emergency vehicles claim absolute right of way when responding to an emergency with lights and siren active. Without those signals they follow ordinary traffic rules like any other vehicle.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, emergency vehicles (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Check your blind spot and give way to the motorcyclist before turning

Motorcyclists are easy to miss and may be alongside you. Always check the blind spot and give way to a rider filtering past before you turn across their path.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, motorcyclists and blind spots (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way to traffic on the major road

Traffic on the major (priority) road keeps the right of way. From the minor road you must give way and join only when there is a safe gap.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Major and minor roads (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Move only as far as needed and only when it is clearly safe to give way

Giving way to an emergency vehicle takes priority, but you must do so safely. Move only as far as needed to open a path, and never put yourself or cross traffic at risk by rushing through a red light.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, giving way to emergency vehicles safely (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Moving traffic in the aisle; you must give way

A vehicle reversing out of a bay must give way to traffic already moving in the aisle. Reverse slowly, check all around, and wait for a clear gap.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Reversing and parking areas (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Insisting can cause a collision that you could have avoided

Having priority does not protect you in a crash. Safe drivers yield even when entitled to go, because avoiding a collision matters far more than being technically right.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Defensive driving and priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Approach in the left lane and signal left for the later exit, then signal right before exiting

For a later exit, approach in the inner (left) lane signalling left, keep left around the roundabout, then signal right as you pass the exit before yours. Correct lane discipline lets others predict your path.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Roundabout lanes and signalling (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Traffic on the main road has priority. A driver emerging from a side road must wait and give way until there is a safe gap to join.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, Emerging from side roads (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow or stop to avoid them; protecting life comes before priority

Even where a pedestrian has no legal priority, you must do everything reasonable to avoid hitting them. Slow or stop safely; the duty to avoid harm always overrides any right of way.

Reference: UAE Government portal — Road safety, pedestrian safety (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)