How To Handle Traffic Lights | Learn to drive: Highway Code

Traffic lights may appear easy to understand, but they are unpredictable and one of the top 10 reasons for failing a Driving Test. Handling a traffic light safely is more difficult than it looks, and an inexperienced driver can easily find themselves in a tricky situation and put themselves in risk of an accident. In this video we will show how to deal with traffic lights safely, so you can prevent any unnecessary danger or test fails.
Video chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:08 What the colours mean
2:15 Approach carefully
3:05 MSM routine
3:43 Once committed, keep going
4:30 Filter lights
4:56 Advance stop lines
5:40 Get ready to go
6:25 Right turns
7:08 Temporary traffic lights
7:40 Summary
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#AdvanceDrivingSchool #TrafficLights #HighwayCode

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Thanks for watching - if you found this video interesting then please subscribe to our channel and click the bell to be notified of our next video! This video includes; * 0:05 Introduction * 1:08 What the colours mean * 2:15 Approach carefully * 3:05 MSM routine * 3:43 Once committed, keep going * 4:30 Filter lights * 4:56 Advance stop lines * 5:40 Get ready to go * 6:25 Right turns * 7:08 Temporary traffic lights * 7:40 Summary

[@abubakarali2022]

L

[@athenasyed9214]

I always panic when the lights turn to amber

[@ldsnathanielu]

I’ve been taking driving lessons and my driving instructor said i’m learning quickly,I think watching these videos has been helping

[@patgo.3326]

Well done, yes they dont explain everything.

[@garybaxter7374]

well done for putting the effort in in between lessons!

[@zarghunaali1136]

Passed my test a few hours ago today thank you for your help

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Excellent - well done!

[@user-iu6nz5ge5g]

wow i love the way you explain everything and demonstrate it on the road as well. that the best way to learn. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS.

[@christopherrichards7486]

Everything that you are showing me for me driving I feel that it is helping me and also It may also may help other drivers as well

[@sarahcallaghan3314]

I did a turn in road if i go wrong way teacher said i was worried id forgotten how to it but then i did it full lock right then full lock left then full lock right to finish and your video helps also watching this helps i know lights anyway my general drive is good overall and youve been a massive massive help im not rushing into anything untill then ill keep reviseing them and teacher is very impressed i needed these and im so glad you did and shown your hard work and compassion ill keep updateing you like ive said before in meantime ill sit back relax and enjoy your videos marathon .

[@honkbonk7842]

Clear and calm voice easy to understand🙂 good work keep it up guys👍

[@Johnjohnson-sy7fu]

This channel is brilliant I passed my test a few months ago now but your videos really helped and sometimes i still watch them lol cheers

[@RM-lj8bv]

I thought I knew it but learn't more. Thank you.

[@anisah6089]

Brilliant video, thank you! Very informative for someone who is starting with no knowledge/experience relating to driving.

[@umarmuhammad2869]

Passed my test a week ago Thanks for the videos

[@Deborahnilunga_]

Thanks for new video 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@AlisterPuddifer]

One thing I'd like to add: At some temporary traffic lights if you stop too far from the 'Wait Here' sign you won't be picked up by the sensor and the lights will stay red.

[@amberfranklinmk93]

Although I can’t drive because I’m registered as severely sight impaired/ blind j find your videos really interesting.

[@na-up6gs]

This video is excellent. Thanks for the great explanation. I'm so happy that I found your channel. You really deserve more than one million subscribers. I'm sure you won't take long before hitting one million. I'll keep supporting this great channel 😄😄😄😄

[@safiasafa2156]

Well done you have covered everything about traffic light in this video..thanks

[@gabrielachavez9584]

Great video thank you very much 😊

[@brianlynch5112]

Always the best tutorials 👍

[@messabritain8625]

Massive thanks for your useful and clear video.

[@mobtradinglimited3725]

This is a good one and well explained👍

[@ambero7920]

Passed my test today, Thanks for your videos, they helped so much🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Wooo! Well done 🚗👍🏼😃

[@fatoumatadrame9941]

Thank you for this video is so helpful 👌

[@jovitabibat2946]

Thank you so much,ur videos helping a lot😍

[@josephmachray9802]

Was excellent video, and help, many thanks indeed,

[@khalidmahmood7946]

Well done keep it up sir from uk 🇬🇧

[@Cessie983]

good video! thanks

[@meowstermeow2967]

The music is soo cool and groovy, nice vid

[@TheLondonCyclist]

Passed with only 3 minors a few weeks ago (and they were for funny silly things, he didn't really want to give them, but he said it's "advice"). I watched some of your videos over the learning period and it helped towards me passing, so I am grateful. Cheers.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Well done - and good luck on the road 🚙👍🏼

[@ashutoshmeena6139]

Once commited , keep going #niceadvice

[@rosebafundila6123]

Thank you so much

[@tahminabegum7048]

I am learning a lot from ur video

[@husnainakhtar3048]

Great 👍 video

[@hayleys560]

Your videos have been so helpful to me as a new driver and I really enjoy watching them, but i wish they were a little faster paced as often I don't have the time to watch them for very long.

[@obidulemon46]

Well explained

[@danieleriamaitoe5239]

Nice one

[@MrSumonkhan]

Helpful

[@lijinantony5846]

Thank you

[@Sylvester826]

Thanks for the video please do a video about tailgating nd explain how to handle the situation,im a new driver and i hate when people drive really close to me it makes me nervous

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Thanks for the idea 🚙👍🏼

[@bananana5995]

Great video, you should do a video on level crossings 😃👍

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Good idea 👍🏼

[@nargizkattner]

I wish to have small road with all signs and rules in one case inside and practice at home so many times as I want (miniature ). It will be really nice. Something touchable with small cars. Etc

[@1mgvideo]

I was in Birmingham the other day. There were many pelican crossings. I think pelicans are being phased out and being substituted for puffin crossings and I wondered why this had not been the case in Birmingham. As you know, drivers used to go before the pedestrians had finished crossing.

[@suhadagraphics145]

very helpfull 😍 thanks

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

You're welcome 😊

[@kristensparkle650]

I passed on Monday and these videos really help !

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Excellent - well done! 🚙👍🏼😃

[@bozenapereira7866]

Nice

[@dca8164]

I passed the exam yesterday . I'm so happy becouse that was my second chance . your channel helped me lot to learn. i want to be a well diciplen driver with out harming at least a birds .

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Well done! 🚙👍🏼

[@sandy7m]

In Aberdeeen it seems to be the rule that if you are in an expensive motor, they should tramp on the accelerator to get through the lights before or as it turns red !!!!!! Given quiet a few idiots heart attacks recently when they saw me start to turn right right in front of them.

[@msharafat5658]

I like it

[@sarahcallaghan7813]

I watch more of old ones I understand more about lights now the way I think of it as what you've described red wait red and amber continue to wait then green go and amber stop or go if I'm to late and flashing give way if it's clear I go so set cycle is red then red and amber then green then amber then back to same pattern. Brilliant also someone gave me a useful tip to use my left hand to get out of car after lessons and twist round so I fully look over my right shoulder for practise so I'll do that

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Oh - we’ve made the video about following roundabout signs now at last! It should be released in July 👍🏼

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

@@sarahcallaghan7813 Yes, probably.

[@SophieHarding1994]

I failed my last test because I decided to stop at an amber where I should've committed and gone through. One of those 'anything can happen' moments and it was stupid of me. I've got another test in 2 days, so hopefully it'll go better!

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Good luck on your next test! 🤞🏼

[@SophieHarding1994]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool I passed!!!

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Well done!!! 🚙👌🏼😃

[@javascript-ws1np]

06:45 you need to pause the video and mark with arrows that would be more helpful to new drives. When it is needed. example 06:45

[@tb090870]

I love

[@tb090870]

Stop lights Please make another video about

[@No-dy3zk]

7:33. Be nice to have that here in America.

[@m.wen1234]

If I am driving an automatic transmission car, can I just put on Neutral while waiting at the traffic light?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

You can select Neutral, as long as you keep either the foot brake or hand brake on to keep the car secure.

[@m.wen1234]

Tq

[@jorja0896]

What's the point, bad idea

[@shiro_21]

Is really good to stay in a gear when waiting for a green light? When driving a stick? My car teacher told to never stay on a clutch pedal for longer periods

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Yes, it’s good to be ready to go promptly if you are at the front of a queue. Staying in gear doesn’t harm the car and saves you fumbling for 1st when the lights change. 👍🏼

[@unknownx432]

If there is one lane which then splits into 3 around 100 metres before the traffic light do u need to indicate to get into a certain lane ??

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We should indicate if it will help other people understand what we intend to do.

[@brynerjimenez6162]

It depends. If the left lane is to the left, middle is straight ahead and right is right, then you only need to indicate if turning left or right

[@Mirandaspottytime]

I’d love some advice. About 5 min into the video it talks about advance stop lines. I failed My test for following the direction that if it turns after crossing the first line you stop even if you are in the bicycle box. I even found this reflected in the Highway Code. Is it normal for testers to not follow the rule? He said at the end when explaining my results you are supposed to keep going through. 🤷🏻‍♀️ ???

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

It depends on how fast you are going. In practice unless you are driving very slowly it is usually impossible to smoothly stop before the second stop line - so we would normally continue driving and cross the junction. Just remember that braking harshly in an attempt to stop causes more danger than going through the amber traffic light. You must consider your speed and position and do whatever is safest for that situation.

[@Alanw74]

Hello if in a manual car at traffic lights and staying in gear should handbrake be on or just foot on brake pedal, also should blind spits be checked before moving away. Thankyou

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

There are no rules about either of those things - just do whatever seems best for the situation. For example if we need to wait for a long time, or are on a hill then we would use the handbrake - but not otherwise. There is no requirement to check blind spots at a traffic light, but if there are pedestrians near us then maybe we should. Use your judgement 👍🏼

[@Alanw74]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool thankyou for advice and love your videos 👍

[@omaralmachayekh7940]

im watching this 2 yrs b4 my driving test

[@eleftheriospappas868]

How can we tell for sure that a traffic light is a secontary traffic light? Are there any road markings to help us identify it?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Secondary traffic lights show the same thing as the primary lights so we can look at any traffic light pointed towards us. The most important road marking is the Stop line - but once we pass this and enter the junction we should ignore any traffic lights we see from then on. Even if the secondary light turns red or we spot a red light for other traffic we must continue and clear the junction.

[@olivia-ql5cs]

wait so... you can just sit in gear one and do the normal “clutch down, gas, go” or can you just press gas to go?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Gas then bite to pull away: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXK2Yo2qrsudeZY 🚙👍🏼

[@bignastywang90]

Can you roll into a red traffic light in 3rd then coast the last few meters or engine brake going down the gears every time. I understand at junctions it's better to change down gear as you are half preparing to move but what if you know you will be stopping at lights?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

If you know that you are definitely stopping, then it’s OK to ‘block change’ straight into 1st (or neutral) as you stop. 👍🏼

[@bignastywang90]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool so if I'm doing 30pmh in 3rd and I get to a see a queue at a red traffic light and I k ow I'm coming to a halt, can I roll up in 3rd, clutch down, come to a stop, handbrake on then into neutral. Or do I engine brake so I roll up in 3rd, 2nd then first, handbrake on then neutral?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

There is no benefit in using second gear in this situation, so we would brake initially- then once we are as slow as possible in 3rd (engine speed down to about 1000rpm) push the clutch down as we stop. At this point you could select 1st gear (so you are ready to go) or neutral (for longer waits) 👍🏼

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

can you edge forward on a amber or red if you stopped short of the stop line?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

That’s fine, as long as we stay behind the stop line.

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool thank you

[@eleftheriospappas868]

If i understood well that means all primary traffic lights must have solid stop line? The secondary traffic lights they don't have stop lines?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

There is normally only one stop line for a set of traffic lights - and this is usually near the primary traffic lights. Any extra (or secondary) lights are there to give a better view of the lights, but they always show the same instructions as the primary lights.

[@barrymacneill3966]

My instructor says If you are lead car at a pedestrian crossing , before you move off you should do a quick all round check , is that correct ? , never seen it in Highway Code

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

That’s good advice, in case a motorbike or cyclist is squeezing past us 👍🏼

[@Linda-uh7ry]

Easier said than done while actually doing it , I am never going to be able to do this , driving instructor getting annoyed with me now I think . My Brain just can’t process it all

[@annaditta6712]

The 6th minute:48 seconds can someone explain to me why does the driver enter on green light? Have the test tomorrow and I'm panicking a lot on traffic lights. Thanks

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

The first chapter of the video at 1:08 explains what the colours mean. At the junction you mention the traffic light showed green, so we had to enter the junction. We saw the light change to amber as we crossed the stop line, but it was too late to stop - so we continued across the junction. Good luck on your test! 🤞🏼

[@annaditta6712]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool I meant about the amber light just saw now that I said green instead. I did once crossed the stop light on traffic light and my instructor did an emergency stop because I still went to clear the crossing as I thought I was too late to stop,but he said I did a dangerous drive. Since that moment when I see a traffic light I feel like I'm seing a zombie. Too scared now. Hopefully I'll do great today and every day of my driving. Thank you for your answer. 🙂

[@hodor2704]

06:40 the driver should have stopped at traffic lights before turning right as they had enough time to stop, am I wrong?

[@hodor2704]

also, I have failed my test because of my hesitation to stop on the lights. I decided to stop but could stop half of the car passed the line. then I just couldn't decide what to do and waited in there for a minute (it was more like 10 minutes) and it was hilarious :) - do you have any content specifically referring to how to decide stop or continue when green turns into amber. I tried to formulate it: if you go 30 miles/h -> 13 meters/s -> amber light stays 3 seconds, you should be allowed to pass the lights if you are closer then (13x3) 39 meters (8-10 cars length) when it turns to amber. I don't know if I fail in any of my assumptions.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

The amber light came on less than one second before the car crossed the stop line - so we were correct to continue driving, as it was too late to stop the car smoothly. Braking suddenly could surprise following traffic and cause danger, so don't do an emergency stop unless it is a real emergency! I'm sure your instructor can help you understand when you have passed the point of safely stopping and are committed to passing a traffic light.

[@daveyboy5692]

It's annoying because the traffic lights are nasty when they make us get stopped at the front :(

[@dianne6046]

QUESTION ? "How much" do we slow down when we see lights Ahead.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Slow enough that you would have time to stop smoothly if the lights change. There is no exact speed - you must judge that for yourself, depending on any hazards nearby / the speed limit etc.

[@princ3ssbuttons687]

I failed my test due to a traffic light changing unexpectedly how do you know when there about to change?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

You don’t - so be ready to react if it’s safe to stop.

[@TheLoggerm8]

I live in the States, and will be in the UK soon. What is the point of red..amber please?. The driver has already stopped on red.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

The reason for ‘red + amber’ is to warn drivers to get ready as it’s about to turn green. 👍🏼

[@TheLoggerm8]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool Ah..I see..that makes sense. Thank you for your quick response😊

[@lakeswildcamping1981]

I always leave plenty of room behind the car in front. This means that quite often the lights change to amber as there are sensor in the road to check traffic flow. It really bugs me as often I feel that lights are always changing for me and I worry about committing and potential going through on red.

[@mark6830]

@6:44 can drivers turn right even in red?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We passed the stop line before the traffic lights turned red. Once in the junction we must continue even if the lights turn red so we don’t block other traffic.

[@conorr0755]

I was driving down the road I saw the light was green so I proceeded, as I turned left the light changed to red I still carried on cause it was green when I went. Is this correct to do

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Once you cross the stop line before a traffic light, ignore any further traffic lights and continue driving.

[@conorr0755]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool thank u

[@Artm811]

3:29 isn’t the central mirror supposed to be at an angle where you can barely see the inside of the car and the outside

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Yes - but the mirror was set for the driver, not the camera. Whoops!

[@Artm811]

Advance Driving School silly me🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Fizzy5pringwater]

Where is this filmed?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk.

[@Dtigernumber1]

i was scared of points on my license as I'm a new driver and i believe i crossed red light accidently. (my dad was with me and he said I didn't crossed RED) I never passed red light before. it's first time. it was cloudy while driving then weather changed suddenly and sunlight disturbing my vision same time I set sun visor and made slow move when I saw it was red while passing. thought to reverse back but then I could hit other car. so I drove slowly. red light camera junction, so scared if camera catch me. do they send me ticket or not?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Not many traffic lights have camera systems to take evidence and then prosecute you. Just hope that there wasn’t a camera where you were - but please be more careful from now on. 👍🏼

[@Dtigernumber1]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool I hope so thank you

[@MDSHAHIDKHANRONY]

I live in Portugal, and I have never seen light go from red-yellow-green. Yes, I have seen green - yellow - red. am I wrong?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Perhaps the lights are different in your country?

[@MDSHAHIDKHANRONY]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool yes, here in Portugal light system works differently. green - yellow - red- green

[@xiaoxiaowang8930]

100th comment!

[@vreshtasifier]

Why dhe line there are the same … There should by double line and yellow that main you have to way driving cars….

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

at 0:41 is there actualy a name for this waiting area? ive heard it referd as the centre of the road before, but what is its official term?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We’d call it a filter lane 👍🏼

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool thank you so much for your help 👍🏼

[@cmyk8964]

Hold on, why do British traffic lights have an extra red+yellow light phase if it means the same thing as red but almost green? Doesn’t that, y’know, encourage drivers to jump the gun?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We just regard it as ‘get ready’ 👍🏼

[@mohammedmussa8048]

Hi I just wanted to ask if you parrel park wrong in the driving test can you correct it

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Yes - as long as we keep our observations going all around the car, then a little 'tidy up' won't be a problem. We show this in our video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJbXfKCrqMh5j5o

[@its_me_tabs]

Which country is this?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We are in the U.K. 👍🏼

[@guccipachoo837]

Studying again 🤓

[@obssafana971]

I'm ten years old 🙏

[@crankcuffin1948]

your turning something very easy into something very difficult.

[@luciferx_x8938]

The video reminds me of forza horizon 4

[@user-yq7tj8iq9x]

Shshsh

[@christonkinsale2416]

Skagit valley and get the election 😂 I have to get home 🤣 I have a question about the same time as last week and get a new one 🕐 a good time to be a good time to be a good time to be alive 🤠 a question for a question about the day off to you too the day I can do that you know we will get it is a question about a question for you about it than thanks for the heads is the election of senators are i just the same for you

[@christonkinsale2416]

Sg jhiueiytiyyi the same for you ☺️ I can get the same as me know what time you will get you a good time with the election and it now and get the I think I think I can get a new one i

[@jenniferbrain8849]

Really Hate the background music, very distracting

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Choosing music is tricky, as whatever we choose there will always be a few people that don’t like it. Having no music at all makes the video seem unfinished, but we try to only use it at the start and end of each video.

[@AKUBARIKI]

Gentle calm music... Not drums and shouty screaming voices

[@vayrie]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool I think you do a really good job with it, I love the music that you add to your videos :)

[@suadahmed8063]

What makes interested is the music keep it up guys it's perfect when I hear ur music I take for as a ring tone to my phone I really like the way sounds ur music

[@suadahmed8063]

@@AKUBARIKI shut up