Roundabouts can be one of the trickiest parts of driving, especially for new drivers. Many learners find them confusing and difficult to navigate, often unsure of which lane to be in or when to give way. Even experienced drivers sometimes struggle with roundabouts, as they require a good understanding of lane discipline, signalling, and safe merging.
The rules for roundabouts can vary, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to remember everything in the heat of the moment, especially when preparing for your driving test. In this post, we are here to help you navigate roundabouts, providing you with the essential information every driver needs to know to pass these tricky parts of the road in their driving test.
Roundabout Rules: What You Need to Know
Roundabouts can be tricky for new drivers, but understanding the key rules can make navigating them much easier. From who has priority to when you should signal, there are a number of rules to follow to ensure you stay safe and drive confidently. Knowing these rules will help you pass roundabouts smoothly, whether you’re just starting to learn or preparing for your driving test. Below are some simple rules to follow when driving round a roundabout.
Give Way to Traffic on the Right
In the UK, traffic already on the roundabout has priority, meaning you must give way to vehicles coming from your right. This rule is essential for ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and avoiding collisions. As you approach a roundabout, check for vehicles already circulating and yield to them before entering. Only proceed when it’s safe to do so, making sure there’s no oncoming traffic or obstructions in your path.
Signal Your Intentions Early
Always signal to indicate your direction when entering and exiting a roundabout. You should only signal left when approaching the roundabout if you’re taking the first exit to the left. For other intermediate exits up to 12 o’clock, signal as you pass the exit before the one you intend to take. It’s important to signal early so other drivers know your intentions, which helps to avoid confusion or accidents. However, you should only signal once you’re committed to the lane that will lead to your exit and adjust as necessary when the situation changes.
Choose the Correct Lane
Before entering a roundabout, make sure you’re in the correct lane for your intended exit. If you’re turning left or going straight ahead, use the left hand lane. For right turns or U turns, you should be in the right hand lane. Choosing the correct lane helps prevent last minute lane changes and ensures you can exit safely. Always check for road markings and signs to help guide you to the correct position before entering.
Keep a Safe Speed
Roundabouts require careful speed management. Always reduce your speed as you approach the roundabout, especially if it’s busy or the road conditions are unclear. A safe speed will give you time to react to any hazards, such as pedestrians or vehicles unexpectedly stopping. Avoid rushing, as navigating roundabouts safely depends on good control of your vehicle and awareness of other road users.
Don’t Change Lanes on the Roundabout
Once you’ve entered the roundabout and are circulating, you should not change lanes unless absolutely necessary. Switching lanes while on the roundabout can cause confusion and potentially lead to accidents. If you find yourself in the wrong lane, wait until you exit and then re-enter the roundabout if needed. Stick to the lane you’re in, signal clearly if you must move, and remain aware of vehicles around you.
Navigating Multi Lane Roundabouts
Multi lane roundabouts can seem more complicated, especially for new drivers, but with the correct approach, they can be managed safely. The key is to understand which lane to be in depending on your intended exit. Typically, if you are turning left or going straight ahead, you should stay in the left lane, while turning right or making a U turn requires the right lane. Always signal your intentions early, well before you enter the roundabout, to communicate clearly with other road users.
It’s important to check your mirrors frequently and be aware of vehicles around you, especially when changing lanes. Keep a safe distance from other cars and avoid cutting across lanes, as this can lead to dangerous situations. Also remember to adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic, giving yourself enough time to react if the situation changes.
How to Deal with Roundabout Exits
When it’s time to exit a roundabout, it’s crucial to position your vehicle correctly and signal well in advance. As you approach your exit, make sure you’re in the correct lane for that exit and begin signalling at least one exit before your own, to give other drivers enough notice. If you’re exiting left or going straight ahead, you should remain in the left lane, while a right exit or U turn may require the right lane.
Always check your mirrors before moving into the exit lane, and reduce your speed as you approach the exit to ensure a smooth transition. Be cautious of pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles that may be entering or exiting at the same time. If you miss your exit, don’t panic – simply continue around the roundabout until you’re able to safely exit.
Start Your Driving Journey in Sutton with Wimbledon Driving School
If you are looking for driving lessons in Sutton, why not book your lessons at Wimbledon Driving School? We’re a comprehensive driving school based in London, helping learners achieve their driving goals efficiently and confidently, whether they want to drive a manual or an automatic vehicle. Our range of highly optimised driving lessons and courses are designed to get you driving confidently and comfortably in no time, with a range of lessons to choose from, including single lessons and intensive fast track courses.
Plus, we also offer driving lessons in Sutton at great prices, providing you with excellent value for money. For further information on starting your driving lessons with Wimbledon Driving School, you can call us on 0800 511 8800 or 0203 524 7968, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
