How to deal with Roundabouts

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On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane.

The examiner on your driving test will expect you to:-

Use the MSM routine

Position correctly and adjust your speed

Choose the correct lane where there are lane markings

Watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians

Take effective observations

Assess the speed of traffic

To Turn Left ( taking the first exit) Click the button on the image below

signal left and approach in the left-hand lane

keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

To go straight on ( taking the second exit) Click the button on the image below

select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout. If no marking on the road it is usually safest to keep to the left lane

stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout

signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

To Turn Right ( taking the last exit or third exit ) Click the button on the image below

signal right and approach in the right-hand lane

keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout

signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

Note:- Our animation shows the vehicle exit the roundabout into the right lane (Lane 2). You should only do this if there is traffic in the nearside lane or you wish to turn right straight after leaving the roundabout.
In an ideal situation you should leave the roundabout in the left lane (Lane 1)

When approaching a roundabout:-
use Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre at all stages and decide as early as possible which exit you need to take, give an appropriate signal. I've always found that if you take your time and make sure you are in the correct lane a good distance from the roundabout you can't go far wrong.
Adjust your speed and Position to fit in with traffic conditions.
If you get your approach speed and gear right you can merge in with the traffic most times without stopping.
Another hint is sometimes you can judge where other drivers are going before they signal etc by looking at their faces and seeing which road they are looking into. Generally the road they look into is where they are going.
You will readily recognise body language or facial expression in other road users when eye contact has been made.
This in itself does not mean it is safe to proceed but it does mean the other person is aware of you and many accidents result from people not noticing other road users.
Always be aware of the speed and position of all the traffic around you.
Don't worry if you have to stop when you reach the roundabout. When it's clear, ease up off the clutch smoothly, don't rush, keep using the mirrors, and above all, stay calm.
Once you are on the roundabout maintain a reasonable speed. Failing to do this, especially when you are in the right-hand lane, may result in other drivers passing on the nearside.
Watch out for vehicles already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all.

Always keep an eye on the vehicle in front as you're about to emerge. Don't assume the driver won't have to stop while you're still looking right. Many rear end collisions happen this way. Make sure the vehicle has actually moved away.

Mini Roundabouts

Approach these in the same way as a roundabout, but remember there is less space and time to signal and manoeuvre.

Vehicles coming towards you, they may want to turn right.

Be sure any vehicle on the roundabout is going to leave before you join the roundabout yourself.

Be aware of drivers that are using it for a 'U turn'

All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so.

When turning right at a mini roundabout, you don't always have time to signal, but remember to check left mirror

Multiple Mini roundabouts. At some complex junctions, there may be a series of mini-roundabouts at the intersections. Treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right.
When negotiating a number of junctions within a short distance of each other, choose a lane that puts you in the correct position for the next one.

In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to

pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads

traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit

traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly

motorcyclists

cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout

long vehicles (including those towing trailers) which might have to take a different course approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals.

Practice makes perfect, so get plenty of practice from a Approved Driving Instructor