To avoid problems after being given a hold-short instruction, remember all the caveats about wake turbulence, know the landing distance your aircraft will need under ambient conditions, and nail the final approach airspeed at the appropriate value. The controllers can provide you with the distance from the end of the runway to the intersection, but you'll probably have to ask for it. Be particularly suspicious if there is any tailwind component or it's raining, snowy, or icy. Abort the approach if things aren't going well. The procedures are on page 2-23 in the 1995 edition of AOPA's Aviation USA, along with a complete list of the airports and runways affected.
Single pilots operate in a much tougher environment than airline crews.
Crews are route-checked into each airport before going it alone. There is always one crewmember to steer and one to navigate. Whenever there is the slightest doubt about where you are or where you're going, ask. It is the mark of a professional. Most of the time the controllers can see you from the tower and will be most helpful in keeping you out of the traffic areas.