Driving lesson 9. RoundaboutsIntroductionRoundabouts are designed to keep the traffic flowing. Traffic should only flow in a clockwise directionaround the island in the centre of the roundabout. This circular road is a one-way street and may bemade up of one or more lanes. Mini roundabouts are much smaller but have the same purpose to keepthe traffic flowing. Traffic entering the roundabout must give way to traffic already on the roundaboutapproaching from the right.

Key learning notes

Approaching a roundaboutWhen approaching a roundabout you apply your Hazard Drill and take observations into the majorroad ahead as early as possible. Unlike other junctions most roundabouts are quite open so that youcan assess the flow of traffic on the roundabout at an early stage. This should give enough time toadjust your speed so that, if possible, you can emerge safely into the flow of traffic from the rightwithout stopping.

Some drivers use roundabouts as though they were stop junctions and only take observations to theright at the last minute. As a result they might stop at the give way line when it is not necessary.Therefore do not presume the vehicle in front will proceed, even if it is clear.

How to proceed at a roundabout

Turning left

When turning left, approach in the left hand lane and signal left. Maintain your road position and yoursignal as you negotiate the roundabout.

Going ahead

Use the left hand lane unless signs or road markings show that you should use a different lane. Do notgive a signal on approach to the roundabout. Take care to keep in your lane as you drive around theroundabout.Signal left to leave the roundabout as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.

Turning right

When turning right, approach in the right hand lane and signal right. Maintain your road position andthen signal left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to use. If you need to change lanes to leavethe roundabout take extra observations to the left before moving across.

Mini roundaboutsThe same rules apply at mini roundabouts as apply at the larger roundabouts, although you willprobably find that you have to reduce speed even further due to the lack of space to manoeuvre. Thereis often insufficient time to signal left when leaving. You must pass around the central markings unless

you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer, which is incapable of doing so. Try to avoid using amini roundabout to do a U-turn, but be aware that other drivers may use it for this purpose.

Double mini roundaboutsAt some junctions you may encounter a double mini roundabout. Treat each roundabout separatelyand give way to traffic from your right. Take careful all round observations before you enter.

Complex mini roundaboutsOccasionally you may come across a complex junction with a large roundabout incorporating a seriesof mini roundabouts at the intersections. Treat each roundabout separately but take extra care astraffic can be travelling in both directions around the larger roundabout.

Highway Code studyRules: 184 - 190.