ROUNDABOUTS

 

Roundabouts allow traffic to merge smoothly together and in doing so keep the overall traffic stream flowing smoothly.

 

Approaching A Roundabout

 

• As you approach a roundabout look well ahead for the advance warning sign (image top right).

• This will tell you the layout of the roundabout and show you which route direction you need to take and 

• therefore which lane to get into.

• You should then:

• Use the MSM/PSL routine

• Get into the correct lane in good time

• Look for and respond to any lane road markings (image bottom right) 

 

YOU SHOULDN'T...

 

• Straddle lanes

• Change lanes at the last moment.​

 

Priority

 

At most roundabouts traffic already on the roundabout has priority, so you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. There are a few roundabouts where traffic on the roundabout has to give way to traffic entering. These will be signed by Give Way signs and road markings.

Increasingly, large roundabouts are being controlled by traffic lights. On such roundabouts it is the traffic lights that determine priority, so simply get into the correct lane and follow the lights.

 

Turning Left

 

Approach in the left-hand lane.
Signal left as you approach.
If necessary, stop at the Give Way line and give priority to vehicles already on the roundabout. 
Once on the roundabout keep to the left.
Continue to signal until you have left the roundabout.

 

Going Straight Ahead

 

Approach in the left-hand lane.
Do not signal.
If necessary, stop at the Give Way line and give priority to vehicles already on the roundabout. 
Once on the roundabout keep to the left.
Check your mirrors, especially the left exterior.
After passing the exit before the one you want signal left.

 

Turning Right

 

• Approach in the right-hand lane.

• Signal right as you approach.

• If necessary, stop and give way.

• Once on the roundabout keep to the right.

• Check your mirrors, especially the left exterior.

• Signal left after passing the exit before the one you want. 

• Check you left mirror for vehicles on your inside. If safe, steer to the exit. If a vehicle is blocking your exit path, keep your right signal on and continue around the roundabout until you again reach the exit you want.

 

Look out for vehicles

 

• Turning right without indicating

• Indicating right but going straight on

• Using the right-hand lane to go straight ahead

• Making a U-turn.

 

Other Types of Road User

 

• Cyclists, horse riders and long vehicles can all take unusual courses at roundabouts. For example, cyclists and horse riders may stay in the left-hand lane even when turning right.

• Long vehicles may need to use more than one lane in order to negotiate the roundabout.

 

Mini-Roundabouts

Approach these as you would a normal roundabout but remember there is less space, and you will have less time to signal. You must pass around the centre markings.

 

On Your Driving Test When Taking A Roundabout The Examiner Will Expect You To:

 

• Use the MSM/PSL routine

• Position your car correctly and use the correct speed

• Choose the correct lane where there are road markings

• Watch out for motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists

• Take effective observations

• Assess the speed of the traffic

• Exit the roundabout in the correct manner.

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