intersection management remains the leading factor in urban road safety. The following criteria evaluate a driver’s defensive capabilities when navigating both controlled (traffic lights) and uncontrolled intersections.
1. Traffic Check (360° Awareness)
1 (Poor): Fixates only on the light or the vehicle directly ahead. Fails to look left/right at uncontrolled junctions.
3 (Acceptable): Checks left, right, and ahead before entering. Uses mirrors to check for cyclists on the inside before turning.
5 (Excellent): Demonstrates “active scanning.” At green lights, still glances left/right to anticipate red-light runners. Checks mirrors before braking to assess the following distance of vehicles behind.
2. Speed (Approach and Transit)
1 (Poor): Approaches too fast, requiring “panic braking,” or crawls through the intersection so slowly it impedes traffic.
3 (Acceptable): Slows to an appropriate speed for the turn or the visibility of the junction. Maintains a steady pace throughout the maneuver.
5 (Excellent): Uses “covering the brake” on approach to reduce reaction time. Adjusts speed perfectly for the turn radius and surface conditions without mid-intersection gear changes.
3. Space from Other Vehicles (The Buffer)
1 (Poor): Stops too close to the vehicle in front (cannot see tires) or “blocks the box” (enters without a clear exit).
3 (Acceptable): Stops with enough space to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead. Does not enter the intersection unless the exit is clear.
5 (Excellent): Maintains a “Tires and Tarmac” gap when stopped (allowing room to steer around a stalled vehicle). Positions the vehicle to maximize visibility for others without encroaching on pedestrian crossings.
4. Acceleration and Braking (Control)
1 (Poor): Abrupt stops or “racing” to beat a changing light. Heavy acceleration out of the turn that could cause a skid.
3 (Acceptable): Smooth deceleration on approach and progressive acceleration when exiting the intersection.
5 (Excellent): Demonstrates “planned braking” (early and light). At traffic lights, times the approach so the vehicle rarely has to come to a complete stop if the light is about to turn green.
5. Signal (Clarity of Intent)
1 (Poor): No signal, or signals after starting the turn. Fails to cancel the signal after the maneuver.
3 (Acceptable): Signals at a distance that gives others ample warning (approx. 30 meters/100 feet before the turn).
5 (Excellent): Signals early and correctly positions the vehicle in the lane to reinforce the signal’s intent (e.g., “commanding” the lane for a large vehicle turn).
6. Yield and No Unnecessary Stopping
1 (Poor): Forces right-of-way or stops at a green light/clear yield sign when it is safe to proceed (hesitation).
3 (Acceptable): Correctly identifies right-of-way. Stops only when required by law or safety.
5 (Excellent): Expertly reads the “stale green” light or the body language of other drivers. Yields smoothly without disrupting the flow and avoids stopping at yields by timing the gap in cross-traffic perfectly.
Assessor Scoring Guide (2026)
Scores 1–2: Remedial training required. Frequent errors in right-of-way or observation.
Score 3: Competent. Safe for independent driving but could improve “eco-driving” and anticipation.
Scores 4–5: Professional standard. Demonstrates advanced risk perception and smooth vehicle mechanical sympathy.