In this lesson, you will learn how to manage busier and more complex roundabouts. You have already covered basic roundabout skills and which lane to use. If you’re unsure, it will be a good idea to go back over that lesson first.
Approaching a Roundabout
- Look well ahead and notice the roundabout
- Look for signs and road markings that inform you how to position your car
- Slow to an appropriate speed and select an appropriate gear
- Check your mirrors and signal in good time
- Get in the correct lane early
- If you are in the wrong lane, it’s ok to go the wrong way
Observations at Roundabouts
- Give way to the right at most roundabouts – check for signs and markings that inform you otherwise
- Look right, but also look ahead and left
- Look into your exit road. Is it clear?
- Keep looking in all directions until you have decided its a safe time to go
Choosing a Safe Time to Go!
REMEMBER
Look for gaps – not cars!
Safe Quarter
Blockers
Huggers
Lane Discipline
- Select your lane in good time on the approach to the roundabout
- Direct your car towards your lane at the entrance to the roundabout
- Stay in the centre of your lane
- Check it’s safe before changing lane to exit
- If you’re in the wrong lane you can go the wrong way
- If you can’t exit – stay on the roundabout and go around again
On the Roundabout
- Once you have chosen when to enter, get going!
- Look where you are going and look towards your exit
- Don’t travel alongside another vehicle
- Keep checking and noticing what others are doing
Exiting the Roundabout
- Check your middle and left door mirror in good time
- Signal your intent to leave as you pass the exit before the one you want to take
- Check your mirrors again and it may be necessary to check out of your left door window
- Only change lane to exit if it’s safe to do so
- Maintain your speed (if safe). It’s important NOT to slow down as you want to move lane to exit
New Road...New Mirrors
Once you’re in the new road, check your middle and right door mirrors to check that no-one is overtaking you before you increase your speed.
Mini Roundabouts and Double Mini Roundabouts
- Give way to the right
- Slow approach and on the roundabout
- Go around the markings
- May not signal to exit
- Look out for people who are unsure
(Lorries cannot go around the markings)
Multi-lane Roundabouts
- Take your time
- Get to know the roundabout
- Look at lane markings
Other Road Users
- Horse Riders
- Lorries and Trailers
- Cyclists