Most Common Right-of-Way Mistakes in the Netherlands

Right of way is one of the biggest problem areas in the Dutch theory exam.
This guide explains the most common priority mistakes learners make in the Netherlands and how to avoid them during both practice and the real exam.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Detailed guide

1) Forgetting that traffic from the right normally has priority

• One of the most common mistakes is forgetting the basic Dutch rule: if nothing else changes the situation, traffic from the right usually goes first.
• In exam questions, learners often overthink the image and forget this simple starting point.
• Always ask yourself first: Are there any signs or markings that change the normal rule?

2) Ignoring priority signs

• If a priority sign is present, it overrides the normal rule from the right.
• This means you must follow the road signs even if another vehicle is approaching from your right side.
• Many wrong answers happen because the learner looks at the vehicles first and notices the sign too late.

3) Confusing turning rules

• Turning vehicles often have to let straight-ahead traffic continue first.
• This is especially important when turning left across the path of oncoming traffic or crossing the path of cyclists and pedestrians.
• The exam often uses this to test whether you understand the flow of traffic, not only basic sign knowledge.

4) Forgetting about special manoeuvres

• If a driver leaves a parking spot, driveway, private property, petrol station, or similar area, that driver is usually performing a special manoeuvre.
• In those cases, normal priority rules usually do not help them—they must first let other road users go.
• This is a classic exam trap because the road layout may look like a normal intersection at first glance.

5) Not recognising tram priority

• Trams are a frequent source of mistakes in Dutch theory questions.
• In many situations, a tram has priority, especially when no sign or special rule takes that priority away.
• If a tram appears in the question, slow down mentally and check the full situation carefully before answering.

6) Missing cyclists and pedestrians

• Learners often focus only on cars and motorcycles, but priority questions may also involve cyclists and pedestrians.
• At zebra crossings, pedestrians have an important protected position.
• When turning, drivers must also pay close attention to crossing cyclists and pedestrians.

7) Looking only at who arrived first

• In Dutch theory questions, who arrived first is often not the deciding factor.
• The correct answer depends on the legal priority rule in that situation, not on who seems faster or closer.
• That is why calm rule-based reading is much better than guessing from intuition.

8) Answering too quickly

• Many right-of-way mistakes happen because the learner sees an intersection and answers immediately.
• Take one extra second and check:
• signs, road markings, turning direction, special manoeuvres, and vulnerable road users.
• That small pause can prevent many unnecessary errors.

Simple method to solve priority questions

• Step 1: Look for signs and road markings.
• Step 2: Check whether someone is turning.
• Step 3: Check whether someone is leaving a special place or doing a special manoeuvre.
• Step 4: Look for cyclists, pedestrians, or trams.
• Step 5: If nothing changes the situation, apply the normal priority rule from the right.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting priority from the right at unsigned intersections.
• Missing a priority sign and answering from intuition.
• Ignoring that a turning driver must often yield.
• Treating a special manoeuvre like a normal junction.
• Forgetting pedestrians, cyclists, or trams in the question.

FAQ

Relevant Dutch law

• RVV 1990, Art. 15: traffic from the right normally has priority unless another rule changes the situation.
• RVV 1990, Art. 18: turning traffic must let certain road users continue first, depending on the situation.