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Iowa driving lesson · Intersections, Interchanges & Roundabouts

Approaching any intersection

A 2-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Intersections, Interchanges & Roundabouts
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
50

Intersections are any place where traffic merges or crosses—not only street corners but driveways and parking lots too. Use the same three-step routine every time, and never assume another driver will make room for you.

Intersection

Any place where traffic merges or crosses: cross streets, side streets, driveways, parking lots, and roadways open to public travel.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Three steps at every intersection:

  • Step 1: Look ahead to identify the type of intersection and any signs, signals, and pavement markings
  • Step 2: Scan the intersection before proceeding to make sure your path through it is clear
  • Step 3: Look left, right, and left again for approaching vehicles and pedestrians
Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

Never assume another driver will share space with you or give you space.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

False turn signal

A signal left on by a driver who plans to turn beyond you or forgot to turn it off after an earlier turn.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

Don't turn just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal on. Wait until the other driver starts to turn, then proceed if it's safe.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

False signals are especially common with motorcycles—their signals often don't cancel by themselves.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Put it into practice

You're waiting to pull out of a side street and an approaching car blinks its right signal. Don't go yet—wait until it actually begins to turn, then pull out if it's safe.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

An oncoming vehicle has its left turn signal on as you approach an intersection. What should you do?
  1. Assume they will turn and proceed
  2. Proceed once they begin to slow
  3. Stop completely and wait regardless
  4. Wait until they actually start turning

Answer: Wait until they actually start turning

Don't assume a signal means the driver will turn where you expect; wait until they actually start turning.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
What is the first step recommended before entering any intersection?
  1. Identify its type and traffic controls
  2. Look left, right, and left again
  3. Scan to be sure the path is clear
  4. Signal your intended direction

Answer: Identify its type and traffic controls

The manual's first step is identifying the intersection type and any traffic control devices present.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
What counts as an intersection, according to the manual?
  1. Only a four-way stop
  2. Where traffic crosses, including driveways and lots
  3. Only a signal-controlled crossing
  4. Only a rural crossroad

Answer: Where traffic crosses, including driveways and lots

Intersections include cross streets, side streets, driveways, parking lots, and any roadway open to public travel.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
What is step three when approaching an intersection?
  1. Identify the intersection type
  2. Scan for a clear path
  3. Look left, right, left
  4. Signal your turn

Answer: Look left, right, left

Step three is looking left, right, and left again for approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
You're waiting to pull out and a driver on the cross street begins to slow. What should you assume?
  1. They are letting you go first
  2. They will stop for you
  3. Nothing until they actually stop
  4. They see you and will yield

Answer: Nothing until they actually stop

Never assume another driver will share space with you or give you space.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
Motorcyclists' turn signals often don't cancel automatically, so you should confirm a motorcycle is actually turning before you act.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

The manual specifically warns that motorcycle signals often do not cancel by themselves.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
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