How to navigate a roundabout

How to use a roundabout

Approaching a roundabout can be daunting, but knowing the rules of how to use it correctly and practising with your driving instructor can make this junction easy to navigate.

The key thing to remember is to use the mirror, signal, manoeuvre (MSM) routine:

• Mirrors: check your interior and side mirrors to understand the traffic situation around you.
• Signal: indicate clearly and in good time to inform other road users of your intentions.
• Manoeuvre: position your car correctly in the lane, adjust your speed, and prepare to join safely.

Who has the right of way at a roundabout?

One of the most common questions learners ask is who has the right of way when navigating a roundabout. When you approach, slow down and give way to vehicles from your right, unless the roundabout has traffic lights, in which case traffic to your right will be at a red light. The vehicles that are already on the roundabout always have priority.

How should you signal when going straight ahead at a roundabout?

If you’re going straight ahead, you should not signal on approach. You should select the correct lane (usually the left or middle lane, depending on road markings). Stay in the lane and only signal left after you have passed the exit before. This will let other road users know that you are exiting.

Other exit scenarios on a roundabout

Roundabouts have a range of exits depending on the size, so there are a variety of scenarios for exiting. Here is how to approach each scenario:

Turning left (first exit)

When exiting to the left, which will be the first exit, approach the roundabout in the left-hand lane and signal left. Keep left as you join and maintain the signal until you exit. Watch for pedestrians or cyclists crossing the exit road.

Turning right (last exit or full circle)

Turning right at a roundabout means that you need to join the roundabout on the right-hand lane and follow the roundabout round. When approaching, make sure you are in the right-hand lane, unless signs say otherwise, and you have signalled right on approach, so other road users know your intention.

Keep to the right as you join the roundabout and begin to circle the central island. After passing the exit before yours, signal left and check mirrors before moving across to exit safely.

Mini roundabouts

Mini roundabouts follow the same rules as standard ones, but the junction is smaller. When approaching a mini roundabout, you’ll see the sign, and the central island is a painted circle.
Make sure when you approach a mini roundabout, you follow these rules:

• Reduce speed significantly: Approach in first or second gear to stay in full control.
• Look to your right: You need to give way to those joining the roundabout on the right. Be cautious as traffic may appear suddenly.
• Painted central island: Treat this central island like you would on a standard roundabout. Cars must not drive over the painted island. Only larger vehicles may overrun it if necessary.
• Be extra cautious with larger vehicles: Buses and Lorries may need more space to turn. Let those types of vehicles navigate the roundabout before joining.
• Be aware of Pedestrians: Mini roundabouts are often in built-up areas where people may cross nearby.