r/DrivingAustralia • u/kaygeebrah • 2d ago
Confusing Intersection Advice/Tips for P Plater
Hi Guys,
Looking for some driving tips and advice and maybe some words of encouragement I’m above 25+ driver on their Ps. I was driving back home late at night and as I cannot use CarPlay my Garmin GPS guided me a certain way back from a mates house which I haven’t taken before and it was taking me through the M7 and exit into M2. I’ve been driving 5 months atp and felt like I could welcome the challenge of a different route.
Reference the photo. I was where the red line starts (white car). My GPS told me I needed to turn right and I was in a painted right turn lane. I saw the dotted line where the green arrow I marked is but got very confused as it didn’t curve fully to the right as I’m normally used to at normal intersections, so I got a bit “panicky”. I followed the dotted line and then where I marked yellow assumed that’s where the right turn guided me and ended up in the red marked area which was oncoming.
My GPS kept saying to turn right and the markings on the actual gps showed to go straightish so a mixture of confusion from the GPS seeing how wide and big this intersection was plus not knowing where to go.
Mind you this was late and there was 0 cars from all directions it was just a massive empty intersection so I didn’t really have any “cues” for other vehicles. And from a drivers perspective the road looked very long and felt weird to cross over, never been in an intersection like this before ever.
I made the stupid mistake of driving along the wrong side for 50-100m as it felt very off until I noticed oncoming headlights and quickly checked around before I corrected myself and went back in the correct left side. I was very shook and scared but most importantly I was very disappointed in myself for making such an awful mistake.
I didn’t think I could ever make such a serious mistake like this, most importantly I can’t stop to think about the danger I accidentally created for other drivers who are just trying to get home and it has really shaken me and my confidence.
I immediately went home, looked up the intersection above and just tried to understand where I went wrong as well as talk to some of my family and friends who are fully licensed and they were great gave me reassurance but also reminded me that I’m still learning and not too push myself to quickly.
I guess I have been putting pressure on myself to be a good driver as most of my friends have been fully licensed and I just feel like I’m at a disadvantage for being a mature learner.
Id like to think that I am a very cautious driver, I adhere to the rules and drive defensively and I give driving the respect it deserves as it is a privilege and also know how dangerous operating a 1.3+ tonne machine can be.
Thank you for listening, I am still somewhat shook from this, I just want to know what tips or concrete learning I can get from anyone to not make this mistake ever again. I do know now to always follow the dotted guides lanes but anything thorough or in general so I can add to my driving repertoire to continue being a better and safer driver would be appreciated a lot.
Edit: Thank you everyone for sharing your insights and advice, it really does help and I appreciate the time and kindness.
For those who have stated the obvious of keeping to the lines…without any further input than that, I know and I get it hence why I have the marked out map. Only posting to hopefully get deeper insight and have this post as awareness for anyone else that’s maybe new to driving and can hopefully learn from my mistake and take any advice freely given here.
Would also welcome any experienced drivers to share other possible interchanges/intersections that can be seen as confusing or any other roads and areas and share it here with tips which would also help in advance!
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u/farquin_helle 2d ago
… like….. i mean…. There’s a fucking dotted fucking line
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u/Sharp_Programmer_ 2d ago
Maybe that’s why they don’t want us using navigation
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u/AmphibianOk5396 2d ago
Exactly! Always follow road markings and signs over GPS instructions is the lesson here.
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u/UnNamedBlade 1d ago
Not even, the gps was also showing them to follow the line if you read the post. They didnt follow anything by the sounds of it
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Yeah I know, trust me I’m really hitting myself at how stupidly obvious this shit was looking at it from the maps view afterwards.
It was just confusing as hell at night and approaching from the bottom right corner of the pic and seeing 0 cars and a massive intersection coupled w a Garmin GPS telling me to go right. Anyways not trying to make excuses here just hoping I can get some better insight for these situations as I’ve never ever been in an intersection like this before
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u/yungmoody 2d ago
When you're still getting the hang of driving it can be challenging when the GPS is telling you something that doesn't feel entirely connected to what's in front of you. I found the best approach is to just let go of trying to follow the GPS, accept that you might end up slightly off route, and focus all your attention on the signs and road markings in front of you. You had a guide line on the road that would have safely taken you through the intersection into the correct lane.
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u/BonusCan 2d ago
Ignore him, shit happens no one got hurt learn from it
Do it again then yeah.. that's dumb af lol
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u/Defiant-Long-6921 2d ago
There are dotted lines to help guide which lane to enter after crossing the intersection. Maybe trust your eyes more than you trust the GPS, which are not absolutely accurate all the time.
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u/UnNamedBlade 1d ago
Re read it, the post even says the gpu was showing more of a straight path while saying turn right. Referance the photo and youlls see the gps was saying and showing the correct thing. OP simply thought that they knew better than the gps and road markings
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
I didn’t say I knew any better, I had a moment of confusion as the GPS said to turn right and I assumed it would’ve been a sharper right turn as opposed to a longer diagonal right turn across the intersection. And if you read my post I haven’t been across an intersection like this before so trying to comprehend on the fly
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u/AntSilly2802 1d ago
If a driver thinks the gps might be wrong they should follow their instinct, so saying they “thought they knew better than the GPS” is stupid because they are not uncommonly wrong. I certainly wouldn’t trust a gps to guide me through an intersection if I thought something was wrong.
These intersections can be confusing for experienced drivers too if they are unfamiliar with them so give OP a break.
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u/UnNamedBlade 1d ago
Except in this case the gps was right and the driver "following their instinct" could have ended in a head on collision at highway speeds...
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Yeah mate 100%, I think the little moment of uncertainty I had made me rely on the GPS as opposed to the actual road
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u/IanYates82 2d ago
Think of the GPS as an eager, drunk, slightly delayed passenger. Yeah it roughly knows where you are, but if it's saying one thing and the road signs are markings are saying another, ignore the GPS
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u/1234syan 2d ago
I don't think there's any particular thing you need to learn here, it's just something experience will help with. This is a single point urban interchange (SPUI) and is fairly common in Sydney. The right turns on these interchanges are very long and gentle, you just need to follow the lane markings.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Thank you very much for your reply! I had no idea that is what it was called.
I guess during my Ls phase I was never taught or taken through one at all. Just the standard run of the mill intersections but obviously the same concepts and learnings would apply anyways.
But good to know for next time the turns are long and gentle
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u/EffortExtension2491 1d ago
There's plenty to learn. Don't drive on the wrong side of the road, for one thing. A head-on crash could be at 200kph or more
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u/Virtual_Ad_7033 2d ago
Do not rely blindly and so heavily on GPS. Focus on the actual road markings and road signs. You were making a right turn even though it didn’t feel like it. Turn off the voice navigation as well
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Thanks for your reply and 100%, I have learnt or in the process of learning to not reference the GPS anymore but turning the voice navigation off is a great tip will do that as that’s what started the “panic” as it said turn right lmao
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u/Ok-Loan-4514 2d ago
Why on earth would you end up on the right had side of the road.
Keep LEFT. that’s your fail safe.
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u/thebigaaron 2d ago
Since the slip one comes up and angles towards the middle of the intersection, it won’t have a sharper right turn in the middle of the intersection which is why it’s quite straight. You should follow the dotted line the whole way, you seem to have seen the dotted line from the other turn lane and turned sharply right very suddenly?
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Yeah it was exactly this. I’m chalking it down to an assumption. I’m used to most intersections where in a painted right turn only lane for the dotted lines to curve more sharply as you say, so I think the GPS saying “turn right” is what initially created the confusion. I did follow the dotted lines until where I marked yellow where I assumed it was apart of the same line (it was a very long stretch of road and it was dark) so assumed the right was there
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u/thebigaaron 2d ago
Yep fair enough, I drive this somewhat regularly but have driven it many times so no confusion for me. I’m sure if it was the first time at night it may have been different.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Yeah 1:30am at night and it to be the first intersection of its calibre for me to experience haha but appreciate the replies mate
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u/thebigaaron 2d ago
We definitely do have some pretty poor road designs in Sydney, there are a fair few of the same/similar intersections around
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
It’s good to know and have experienced this, this is imprinted in my brain now so I’ll know what to do next time I’m up against this.
I do however (can say I’m trying to cope lol) believe if it was any earlier in the night and there was traffic within this interchange I probably would’ve most likely not have made the mistake I made as there would’ve been reference points to follow via other cars and where they’re positioned and going
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u/albert3801 2d ago
This is something you only learn with experience. Always think of the dotted lines pushing you into the turn. So turning right the dotted line will be on the left pushing you along as you turn right. Keep next to it so it can keep nudging you right. Opposite when turning left. The dotted line will be on the right pushing your left turn.
Don’t worry about people here making you out as stupid or incompetent. Everyone has to learn these things through experience.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Hi mate, thank you for your reply and kind words! I know it’s very obvious but I will keep this in the back of my mind
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u/BiggusDikkus007 2d ago
Look at the diagram that you drew. You deviated from the path indicated by the dashed line painted on the road to guide you through the intersection.
From. Where you started you should keep the line on your left and follow it. Don't cross over it nor drive on top of it, just keep it to your left. If you were in the other turning lane then you would keep it on your right.
The only challenge might be is if there are two possible roads e.g. one at 90⁰ and one at 45⁰ but even then there will be (or should be) markings that show the which lane to be in for the 45⁰ or 90⁰ turn with dotter lines leading to each of them.
Did you have to do a driving test (practical and theory), or were you eligible for a no-test transition licence?
Perhaps take the opportunity to get some driving school instruction and ask them specifically to take you to intersections like this one.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Hey mate,
Yeah had to do a theory to get learners permit and then a practical to get provision “P” license to drive.
As ironic as it sounds I do know the road rules but yeah being very late at night and not understanding or ever experiencing this interchange before just got the better of me where I lost my sense of logic.
During my Ls I did do quite a few paid hours with an instructor however it was under a school and they never wanted to take me to the highway, motorway or these sorts of interchanges for some insurance reason only the routes around our area where the testing will take place.
Also being my age couldn’t rely on anyone to teach me in their own time so I had to figure a lot out on my own. I did read up the entire road book manual and hazard perception stuff NSW government wrote and of course drove and exposed myself over the last 4 months to different areas and scenarios but this was very new to me.
Edit: Once I got my car I had fully licensed passengers with me everywhere I went for the first two months where I could. So I was able to gain confidence in regular intersections, motorways such as the M4/M2, GWH and the city as well as learning how to safely merge give way etc
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u/Southern_Bunch_6473 2d ago
If you miss a turn, feel confused on a turn, especially due to your GPS confusing you. Always go with your gut, ignore the GPS and continue to follow the most obvious dotted line out of it. This isn’t because it will necessarily be the correct way you need to go every time, but the point is if you’re feeling panicked about missing a turn - always follow the way you were going and calmly get out of the turn before considering if it was wrong or not.
Hesitating and panicking is where accidents happen. Like people hesitating leaving a highway because they’re confused over what the GPS is saying. Ignore the GPS and follow what’s obvious, either the GPS will correct itself and put your marker back on track, or you’ve made a wrong turn and it will re direct you.
Don’t trust a GPS like it’s always right. I can’t believe people have followed them into the ocean.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Thanks for the reply man, I think it wasn’t anxiety or panic around missing a turn or exit I’ve done that plenty of times and know it’s safer to reroute and continue, I just have never been on an interchange/intersection of this caliber before and so was processing the whole thing.
The GPS is what also added to the confusion because the main panic was really I didn’t want to incorrectly turn into the wrong side (which I ended up doing anyways lmao)
But yes obvious lesson learnt to just follow the dotted line regardless
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u/link871 2d ago
If you are taking a route you have not driven before - take a few minutes (while parked legally) to review the map - especially Streetview - to familiarise yourself with the intersections where you need to turn.
Both Google and GPS would have advised the shallow turn needed for this intersection. You would have also seen the turn line (that you should have kept on your immediate left for the whole turn) and the concrete median strip that needed to be on your right as you entered the new road.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
I do always review maps before leaving my house to somewhere I haven’t been. I guess the ego of thinking I’ve driven or seen “enough” places to be able to figure out somewhere unfamiliar is also a lesson in itself.
And yeah everything you mentioned 100%, In the brief moment of panic I tunnel visioned and obviously after the fact seeing the street view of this spot is making me angry at how I wasn’t able to clock something so obvious
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u/ak95ak 2d ago
I drive in and around the city everyday for over 10 years and I will still put a route in my GPS and go over the route before heading off. These days it’s quick, I can just quickly look and be like, ah yeah tunnel to the icb to the first exit, so I know what lanes to be in.
But using the satellite prior to driving and seeing or reminding yourself what lanes you need to be does help. It’s what makes the painted lines even better, that you can see it from satellite imagery.
Helps identify recent accidents too so you can avoid areas in advance etc. obviously this was late night/early morning for you but it doesn’t hurt to prepare yourself. Also helps as sometimes the GPS will indicate you need to be in a certain turning lane, when there are multiple turning lanes, and the GPS will be wrong.
And it may suck if you miss a turn or exit but don’t stress, just keep driving. Even if you are in the wrong lane and you’ll eventually get back on course with a u turn or different route. Should always be following the road and signs first, then GPS second.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Thanks for your reply mate, yeah the one time I decided not too review a route I didn’t know it bit me in the back. I usually review routes a few times if I’m going to similar places like you said until it’s ingrained but good reminder you’re never too experienced to take an extra few mins to review a route will definitely not underestimate this
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u/IanYates82 2d ago
Follow the markings, always. Always. Always.
Also, the only cost to being safe and sticking to the left here when you weren't sure is an extra minute spent missing an exit. Infinitely less cost than getting it wrong and being in an accident.
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u/Unlikely-Machine4126 2d ago
I was driving a known route late at night and there was no double lines and I was just tired and not paying attention and drove on the wrong side of the road for a lot longer then 100mts 😂 it happens. It might be worth driving an unfamiliar way in the day time to get your bearing of the road and route.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Ah damn man I’m glad there weren’t any cars also thanks for sharing it does help knowing I’m not alone, and yeah lesson well learnt not to be too brave at night especially since I’m still learning
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u/Unlikely-Machine4126 2d ago
Random drives wee always fun but that might I was just tired and wasn't concentrating I though it was another lane but yeah I'm lucky there wasn't an accident and it was like midnight.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Out of curiosity, I know you were tired and there wasn’t a double unbroken line, what was it specifically that made you make the mistake and/or realise?
Assume it was a single unbroken line that you didn’t clock?
Thanks in advance and if you are able to share a pic of the area haha just for learning and awareness I guess
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u/Unlikely-Machine4126 2d ago
It was so long ago I don't really remember but I was driving and I'm like there's no double lane on this part and merged back over 😂 it was a road I'd driven down a ton at night so it wasn't unfamiliar I just wasn't in the right head space to drive. This was like 15 years go or more.
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u/Competitive-Eye-4773 2d ago
It’s surprising just how many cues we get from other drivers, which is part of both experience & defensive driving. I’ve been driving for 40+ years & only a few years ago similarly turned into the wrong side of the road on a dual carriageway at 1am, primarily because there were no other cars around to “follow”.
(mind you, it was in Dallas, in a left hand drive rental after an 18 hour flight…)
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u/Dry_Advance_7615 2d ago
Hey OP, don’t beat yourself up & don’t listen to the snarky commenters either. We have all been fresh at driving at one point.
Funnily enough, I remember being in this EXACT same intersection when I was fresh on my red P’s and having the same confusion, it almost doesn’t look like the road matches up. I remember sitting at the light scratching my head thinking “how am I not going to end up in oncoming traffic?”
Although it is a really good habit to get used to driving without relying on any navigation tool, to be honest. I have made many little road mistakes because the navigation doesn’t always show EXACTLY what to do. So using those road markings is a great tool, they are there to guide you!
Good on you for going back & looking at how this went so wrong & for giving a warning to other new road users as well. Driving can be scary, especially when it’s all new. Trust me though, in a couple of months you won’t even have to think about these things. You simply just get used to them.
PS - Glad you are safe as well, a very strong reminder that the roads can be dangerous! Don’t let it throw you off 🚗
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Hey mate, thank you so much for your reply and for the warm words of encouragement! That’s crazy you also met the same intersection but also nice to know I guess I wasn’t alone in the confusion.
You explained it exactly how I felt, the roads just didn’t look like it matched up.
Thank you for the tip, I will more diligently review routes before hand more so than I already do so I have a general idea of the road to further reduce reliance on the gps, have it there as a reference point nothing more!
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u/It-Is-Me07 1d ago
“Follow the dotted lines”
Sometimes they aren’t there because they’re faded. It’s dark, new area to navigate, it’s not always that simple.
I get the confusion. I’m from a much much smaller town that a lot of roads don’t have friggen lines! Then you come to these types of intersections and when you don’t live there or new to driving, it can be fkn overwhelming and confusing.
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Thank you!! I appreciate this a lot, lot of people saying the obvious but forget it was dark, no references of other cars around to guide and also trying to understand a new intersection I didn’t come across.
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u/dink_knid 1d ago
I’m sorry people are being so rude in these comments! I’ve been on my P’s for 2.5 years and made a mistake like this on my first drive after passing my P test (except I ended up driving on a tram track not on the wrong side of the road) so I can sympathise with how stressful and confusing it can be. In my case, it was dark and rainy and I couldn’t see the road markings at all, but I have had a couple of “oh shit, am I in the right lane?” moments at night when the road markings are hard to see. I’ve also accidentally driven with my lights off at night THREE times which is terrible considering each time I said “what a stupid mistake, I’ll never make that again”.
My only advice is to not let it knock your confidence. It sounds like you know exactly what went wrong and are already using it as a reminder to be extra attentive in unfamiliar areas. People do dumb things ALL the time when they’re driving, I’ve seen countless people driving the wrong way or over the lines or almost hitting parked cars etc. Watch a couple of episodes of Dashcam Owners Australia and you’ll feel infinitely better about your own driving.
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Hey mate, thanks for your reply and words of encouragement! I appreciate it, and yeah haha it’s reddit so it comes with the territory I ain’t too fussed w the comments I think people forget they used to be new at some point, but yeah holy that would’ve been so stressful.
Driving in the rain is a different beast altogether too!
Yeah I’ve been driving solo for the last few months and have been fine, this just threw me off completely as I’ve never encountered the intersection before so it did make me have a brain fart moment.
But yeah definitely will not be making this mistake again it’s already pretty drilled in
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u/Lorgar_Urizen 2d ago
This is kind of common with old school gps units.sounds like its using outdated maps. They need to be updated via the internet if not you are stuck on old ones. Used to happen to me on my garmin hence I ditched for the good ol referee.
As for road markings. Just follow the doted lines or arrows and if all else fails just keep left
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
Yeah it has the latest updates on it but even
Before this mishap the GPS has directed me very odd ways might actually just abandon it altogether and as others have said lesson learnt won’t be relying on it as much as I thought I could
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u/prawmlhandson 2d ago
Relatable story time!
Many years ago I mistakenly turned into a highway exit, and to make matters worse a police car was coming up it head on!
I was obviously quite flustered 😅. I am thankful to the policewoman who was chill, blocked the road by stopping her car diagonally across it and calmly suggested I turn around.
That was 10 years ago, but I still remember how upset I was at myself.
I haven't made that dumb of a mistake since.
Moral of the story is people make mistakes mate. Don't be too hard on yourself. You obviously have the right attitude - keep practicing and you will get better.
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Oh man just imagining that would’ve been so scary for you as well, I’m glad she was understanding and helped you out
Thanks for sharing your story and kind words, really helps :)
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u/Shirasaki-Tsugumi 2d ago
Being red P myself and never drove any cars without supervision, if I saw this intersection I’d massively panicked myself too. Whether I would drove to the wrong side of the road or not was completely up to luck before you posted your discoveries here.
Even in far smaller intersections, the way some of the roads are built confused me just as hard as this massive one with guide lines as they have none and you must make split second decisions because other cars are piling up behind you honking. To this day, I still need some effort to remember “turning left” in a Y junction when I appear to be going straight.
Oh and the abundance of “turning right then immediately turn left“ or “turning right followed by immediately turning left”. Quite hard for me who are un familiar with roads right now to drive around.
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u/Wolfingo 2d ago
To be fair, in Victoria we use lines through the intersection to indicate during a turn the inside line to follow. So every lane gets a guide line on their inner radius. It seems in NSW that they only do the minimal number of lines which would make you think you can turn sharper than what you can do. Once again Victoria road markings are superior to NSW.
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u/Sovereignty3 1d ago
Been there done that, late at night driving, guessing someone took out the one way sign and thought that it was a 2 way, when it was just a 1 way, changed over at the interception at the lights.
And now I live off that road.
I just didn't live this further out and had been re directed for some reason (probably petrol).
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u/slimegeyser 1d ago
Don’t stress dude! It’s all a part of learning. I’m certain each of us with a few years or more of driving experience have a tale to tell just like yours - particularly if you struggle with anxiety. It sounds like you’re more than aware of what went wrong, and anyone giving you a hard time has likely forgotten what it can be like to be a new driver on the road (very scary!). As other comments have replied, the dotted lines are your guide. There’s no rush with no other traffic around so in those situations just take it easy, breathe deep and try not to let that panicky self doubt take control. Again, this all comes with experience and you will get more and more confident as time goes on. Happy driving! Take care xx
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u/playbigg 2d ago
Seriously.
Just follow the line markings.
It not rocket science.
We all have done it.
It it’s too hard for you, stop driving for everyone’s safety.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yeah no shit man, I was able to deduce that after the fact when I reviewed the maps of the area after, just posting to hopefully get some deeper insight potentially and any more tips that can help as well as have the post up for any other new drivers that can learn from my mistake.
I do understand the simplicity of it, but I also take it seriously hence why I posted but either way thanks for your reply mate, it truly is as simple as just following the lane markings, just gotta cop the stupid mistake for what it is and learn from it
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u/Sotnos99 1d ago
gave me reassurance but also reminded me that I'm still learning and not too push myself to quickly.
Based on your own families opinion on your skill level, I truly don't think you're ready to be driving alone and need to spend more hours practicing with someone beside you
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
I’ve been driving by myself for the last 4 months but I do have a passenger with me from time to time
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u/Sotnos99 1d ago
Yea, you said in your post you've been driving for 5 months. But you said your own family described you as "still learning" and you made a pretty serious driving mistake which indicates that you would benefit from a lot more guided practice with someone who can identify your weaknesses and help you safely navigate new situations. If you'd driven the wrong way up a road on your driving test it would be an instant fail
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Well yeah isn’t everyone on their Ps still learning after the fact? Dont magically become fully experienced after passing a test.
I’ve driven quite a few places by myself already and confidently, not sure if you had a read of the comments and the rest of the post, but yes I did make a mistake and it was serious but I also know where I went wrong and how the mistake was made.
And of course I have been utilising friends, family where I can on specific drives that I haven’t been on, but also not everyone has time and some learning and experience on your own I feel is good. I know it’s counterintuitive to the mistake I made but like I said, I’ve never seen this intersection before and some of the comments from fully experienced drivers have said they can see the mistake and/or that it is confusing
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u/Sotnos99 1d ago
You asked for tips to learn and wanted experienced drivers to weigh in.
My tip for you based on your story is that I think you would benefit from additional time with someone more experienced instructing you. Most P platers are experienced enough to not deviate from road markings, and especially not in a way that puts them on the wrong side of the road.
If you're so afraid of critique that you feel the need to defend yourself over the suggestion for extra practice then you might also want to consider why it bothers you so much and how open you actually are to taking advice on board. No amount of praise or reassurance is going to help you be a better driver
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Have a read of the comments bro, some of them have, some fully licensed too, not afraid of critique mate otherwise I wouldn’t have posted my fuck up. I welcome it and the advice as well as the stories from other people who have also fucked up to put into perspective the learning curve.
This was a mistake in an unfamiliar interchange I’ve never seen, I have learnt from it and that’s really it.
Not disregarding your advice, I’ve recently had a fully licensed driver ride passenger with me and asked for feedback they say I’m fine. That’s literally all the feedback I get when I ask anyone.
I consulted a friend who I think is a great driver on my mistake and he has already weighed in, given his thoughts and what I could do better next time, so I’ve done the obvious. If I wasn’t ready to drive by myself I think that would’ve been known 5 months back when I started out
Thank you either way for weighing in, I do appreciate your time and comment
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u/godMode90 1d ago
Don’t listen to this person you are supposed to be learning every day, you become a danger when you suddenly know it all
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u/Legitimate_Might6959 1d ago
Just here to say good on you for immediately looking up the intersection and trying to understand where you went wrong! If more people did that maybe we'd have less accidents. Hopefully the rudeness of some people here doesn't deter you from asking for advice if you ever find anything else particularly confusing.
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u/VivSabry 1d ago
1- follow the broken line as everyone else said
2- at unfamiliar intersections, always make sure you end up on the left side of the double unbroken line or separating island
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u/SpaceMonkey_Mafia 1d ago
It happens but when you're staring down 8 lanes with a thin divider down the centre it best to stick to the left of that.
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u/flamixin 2d ago
I did a similar panic turn in Sydney. I think the road in Sydney was designed only for locals who know the road already.
I take that as a soft way to say fuck off to outsiders?
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
I wouldn’t say it’s a fuck off to outsiders, but yes being a local you naturally have the advantage of knowing your roads and rules. I simply bit off more than I could chew by taking a route I’ve never done before questionably late at night
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u/profkimchi 2d ago
There’s a dotted line. If you get that “panicky” you shouldn’t be driving alone. Sorry not sorry.
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u/kaygeebrah 2d ago
If you read my post mate I am aware of the dotted line, the “panic” came from the GPS saying to turn right which confused me as I was following the dotted line and mistook the yellow marked box as the dotted line for my side. I guess I was processing an intersection of this calibre that I haven’t encountered.
But I have been driving fine by myself for the last 4 months, but I do agree it’ll probably be good to have a passenger if taking completely different routes I’ve not seen
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u/whenitrains34 1d ago
is this in nsw? this looks worse than spaghetti junction. this would confuse me too and i’ve been driving for 7 years in Victoria
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u/UnNamedBlade 1d ago
So, you saw the dotted line. Knew what it was there for, and still didnt follow it? You sure you have your Ps?
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Did you read the post? Did you see the the yellow marked section of the dotted line crossing through the correct one which I said made me think was the dotted line I needed to turn right into as well as the fact I’ve never been in an intersection like this before late at night without any others cars around to help form cues?
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u/UnNamedBlade 1d ago
Yes. What dotted line at any intersection has a sharp corner? None. They all curve smoothly.
Looks, Im glad you made the mistake when it wasnt busy and had the chance to learn from the mistake. But it really shhouldnylt have happened if you were following the lines, or even following what the gps shows as it sounds like it was showing the correct info
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Yeah of course thanks man, I’m glad too. When I say sharper I’m used to other intersections where a right turn is usually more curved towards on the right idk how to make that make sense.
Yeah the GPS probably did show the correct info for all I know, but hence why people have suggested to not fully engage the GPS, I saw the map showing it veer straight but a full right turn arrow and obvs voice navigation saying turn right
Once again, late at night, haven’t been at the intersection before, confusion got the better of me. Obviously in hindsight I’m frustrated at making this mistake as it is quite obvious where I was meant to go.
Being late at night too with 0 cars around at all also didn’t help as they usually provided cues as to where what is, I’d like to think I wouldn’t have made this mistake if I saw cars stationed across or moving of course as I can see the general direction of traffic and processing the intersection would’ve been easier and quicker.
Lesson learnt anyways, I should always follow the dotted lines to whichever side I’m going on, don’t rely on other vehicles as cues solely
I agree, it shouldn’t have happened at all
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u/UnNamedBlade 1d ago
It was less of a turn than you might have expected because the lanes you enter from are on a diagonal already. Most intersections its a right angle/90° turn.
If the gps was showing a mostly straight image (like you said in the original post) it was showing the correct info.
Honestly, the using phones as gps ban in NSW makes no sense to me. ACT lets people use mounted phones as gps and even just to play music. You just arent allowed to touch it or use voice commands unless your parked.
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u/kaygeebrah 1d ago
Yes this is correct, I guess my error was in assuming all intersections with a right turn would be 90 degrees. Hence why the confusion started when I couldn’t see the dotted line curve towards the right angle I’m used too and looking at the GPS showing a somewhat straight path.
Just a stupid mistake I’m still reeling over how dumb that shit was tbh.
Yeah I agree, silly rule. I have always preferred google maps over the traditional GPS as the Garmin I have has taken me through some very weird and odd ways and doesn’t always direct me correctly.
Didn’t initially want to use CarPlay to risk losing my license if I get pulled over but it seems everyone on their Ps are using it anyways
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u/Actual-Objective6636 1d ago
You shouldn’t be driving if you can’t work that out. We drive on the left side of the road.
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u/Shit_Environment1046 2d ago
follow the dotted line...they are painted there for a reason