Complete Learner Driver Guide to Roundabout Rules

Roundabouts are circular junctions designed to allow traffic flow to keep moving, where possible, without necessarily having to stop, with all traffic travelling from right to left, clockwise. They come in many types and sizes; some even have traffic lights, but whatever the type or size, dealing with roundabouts as a learner driver is fairly easy.

• The general rule you need to remember is that you must give way to drivers on the roundabout coming from your immediate right, unless road markings or signs say otherwise.
• Some larger roundabouts have multiple lanes. Use the most appropriate lane for your exit. Left lane going left, right lane for right turns, and the centre lane for straight ahead.
• Obey any traffic lights you come across on these roundabouts. Some also have traffic management instructions painted on the road, or on the signs, to give you information about which is the correct lane for your journey – read these signs to assist in getting the correct lane.
• If you have to change lanes, then do so extremely carefully, with adequate mirror and blind spot checks and good signals.
• Some larger roundabouts have traffic lights, which must be obeyed. These are especially common near motorways. They are put in place to ease the flow of traffic and allow everyone the opportunity to get onto a busy roundabout.
• Cyclists and horse riders will travel the roundabout on the outer lane, so take care when you see them and allow them plenty of room.

When approaching a roundabout, use the Mirror – Signal – Position – Speed – Look (MSPSL) routine and give way to the traffic on the road coming from your immediate right, as mentioned earlier. Reduce your speed and stop at the give-way line if necessary. Be sure to check your mirrors, use the correct lane, and signal your intended direction. The choice of lane depends on whether you want to go left, right or ahead. Use any roadside diagram or road markings to help you decide which lane to take.

Taking the First Exit (Turning Left)

Position your vehicle on the left lane and slow down to a reasonable speed so you can stop or go depending on what you see. Select the correct gear with the intention of moving onto the roundabout, but be prepared to stop at the give-way line, as you must give way to traffic already on the roundabout. Once it’s clear, turn left. Keep your left indicator on until you have left the roundabout.

Taking the Second Exit (Going Straight Ahead)

If you wish to go straight on at the roundabout, then don’t indicate on approach. Keep in the left lane unless road signs state otherwise. Signal left once you pass the exit before the one you want to take. Use your left wing mirror to make certain you are not endangering others, and again, cancel your indicator once you have left the roundabout.

Taking the Third Exit (Turning Right)

This is any exit on the right-hand half of the roundabout as you approach it.

Check mirrors, signal to the right, position on the right on approach if you can, and enter the roundabout when it is clear enough to do so, positioning your vehicle towards the right-hand lane. You will have to change lanes before turning off.

As you approach your intended exit, check mirrors and signal left, just after the exit, before the one you want. Make good use of the left mirror before you move over and leave by the next exit. Watch out for pedestrians crossing the exits.

Once you have exited the roundabout, check mirrors and also check that you’ve cancelled your indicator signal.

Mini roundabouts are smaller and have a flat centre for larger vehicles, which may be too big to get around. Approach in the same way as a large roundabout, but you will not need the second signal when leaving. Signal for the left, or the right, or not at all, if you are going ahead. Go with caution at all times.

Roundabouts can be taxing, so if you do get into the wrong lane, especially when taking a right turn, and cannot safely exit at the desired point, check mirrors, signal right, go around and do it again; this time making better preparations.

If you signal left too early, and you cannot safely adjust this without danger, then take that exit, even though it might be the wrong one. It is better to turn around in a side street and go back to the roundabout and try again, rather than cause a collision on the roundabout by making bad and late direction changes.

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