Roundabouts

Many drivers are intimidated by roundabouts because they are usually at junctions that are busy. However, they are designed to maximise traffic flow so don’t worry about the level of traffic, it’s just another junction where you wait until it is safe before moving. You will by this stage already be familiar with t-junctions and the method of dealing with roundabouts is very similar.

Because of the way they are laid out, roundabouts usually give you a good view as you approach them, so early observations can help a lot. It will give you the opportunity to see the traffic on the roundabout which will give you more time to judge what everyone is doing.

Turning Left

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – maintain the normal driving position
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you will help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter. Because things can change quickly on roundabouts, it can be difficult to judge whether you will have to stop or be able to go while you are still approaching it. If you go into 2nd gear as you approach, you will be in a position to go if the traffic flow works in your favour.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You will give yourself a chance to. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. If you will only have to wait for a few seconds, it’s ok to hold the clutch at the bite. If you think you will have to wait for more than a few seconds, put the handbrake on and set gas and biting point so you are ready to go. Chances can pass quickly so being ready to move can save you waiting longer than necessary. 

Following the Road Ahead

Occasionally, you will see other drivers signal right at the roundabout if they are going ahead. If you do, feel free to have a good laugh at their expense as this isn’t how it is done! 

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – no signal is given on the approach as to do so would be misleading for other drivers. You are not turning left or right so don’t give the impression that you are. 
Position – usually, the best place to be is the normal driving position, or the left lane if there are two lanes. Look out for signs and markings as sometimes you will need to use the right hand lane.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you will help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter. Because things can change quickly on roundabouts, it can be difficult to judge whether you will have to stop or be able to go while you are still approaching it. If you go into 2nd gear as you approach, you will be in a position to go if the traffic flow works in your favour.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You will give yourself a chance to. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. If you will only have to wait for a few seconds, it’s ok to hold the clutch at the bite. If you think you will have to wait for more than a few seconds, put the handbrake on and set gas and biting point so you are ready to go. Chances can pass quickly so being ready to move can save you waiting longer than necessary.

When you move on to the roundabout, keep to the left (assuming this has been your position on the approach) all the way through the roundabout to avoid an encounter with those turning right. As you reach the exit before yours, check all your mirrors and signal left to show that you are leaving the roundabout. 

Turning Right

Mirror – look at the inside and right mirrors
Signal – signal right, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or to the right hand lane if there are two lanes.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you will help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter. Because things can change quickly on roundabouts, it can be difficult to judge whether you will have to stop or be able to go while you are still approaching it. If you go into 2nd gear as you approach, you will be in a position to go if the traffic flow works in your favour.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You will give yourself a chance to. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. If you will only have to wait for a few seconds, it’s ok to hold the clutch at the bite. If you think you will have to wait for more than a few seconds, put the handbrake on and set gas and biting point so you are ready to go. Chances can pass quickly so being ready to move can save you waiting longer than necessary. 

When you move on to the roundabout, keep to the right continuing to signal right. When you reach the exit before yours, check the mirrors and signal left to tell others you are leaving the roundabout. Try to avoid drifting to the left as you move further round the roundabout. 

Mini-Roundabouts

Treat these as you would ‘normal’ roundabouts. The only difference is that it is acceptable not to signal left for the exit. The roads are often so close together that there isn’t time without risking the steering going wonky, which would have safety implications. It is ok to signal to exit, but don’t if you feel there isn’t safe to.

Sometimes, it will seem that the mini-roundabout is in a daft place! They are often used as traffic calming measures. It is very tempting to ‘straight line’ the mini-roundabout and drive over the island. However, it only takes the driver coming towards you to have the same idea and you will have a big dent in the front of your car!

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Use the routine for approaching other roundabouts for the multi-lane roundabouts. It is worth mentioning that each of this type of roundabout is designed to suit the circumstances of that particular area and so each one is different. The signs and markings are very important so make sure you are looking for them. If there are no signs telling you specifically which lane to use, the direction signs may give you a clue. For example, if the sign tells you that the road you need is the fourth exit of a five exit roundabout, there is a good chance you will need the right hand lane. Once you enter the roundabout, the lane markings will usually guide you round so if you don’t cross any white lines, you will be fed across to the left lane in time for your exit. The further round the roundabout you are, the more to the left you need to be. 

Common Faults

 

As with t-junctions, it is very tempting to just look to the right as that is where you are giving way to. However, this can also result in an unwanted excursion into the right hand lane as you are not looking where you are going and not able to follow the path of the road.

As a passenger or on your lessons, you may have noticed other drivers ‘straight line’ the roundabout when going ahead. In effect, this results in two lane changes (from the left to the right and then back again) with the potential to seriously interfere with other traffic. Make sure your steering is disciplined and you stay to the left. 

When turning right, drivers often start drifting to the left as they pass the exit before theirs. Hold your position in the road and then make a direct line towards your exit.

Crossroads

Crossroads are more hazardous than T-junctions because you may have four cars all crossing the same small area of the road. Observations and patience are particularly important. 

Turning left from the major road into the minor road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced:

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – maintain the normal driving position
Speed – most of the time you will be at 10-15 mph when turning and will therefore be in 2nd gear, but assess each junction as you approach; occasionally, 3rd or 1st will be more appropriate. Make sure your clutch is fully up before you turn. If it is down (coasting) you can’t brake as effectively or accelerate at all and the car may drift wide around the corner.
Look – as you reach the corner, check the inside and left mirrors again, look ahead for vehicles turning in front of you (it’s your priority but folks can be cheeky) and into the side road for any hazards. Pay extra attention to who is moving towards you and emerging from the side roads. You have the priority over everyone but make sure it is being given to you by others. 

After entering the new road, have another look in the inside mirror to see what has followed you into it.

Turning right from the major road into the minor road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced:

Mirror – look at the inside and right mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or as close to the centre as is safe if you are in a narrow road.
Speed – as with turning left, most of the time you will be at 10-15 mph and in 2nd gear when turning if there is nothing to give way to. If there is something to give way to, naturally you will need 1st. The turning point and stop position are the same; halfway across the side road. Make sure your clutch is fully up before you turn. If it is down (coasting) you can’t brake as effectively or accelerate at all and the car may drift wide around the corner.
Look – you will be able to plan more effectively and make a better decision if you start assessing the junction and looking at oncoming traffic as you start slowing down. Just before you turn, check the inside and right mirrors again, look ahead for vehicles and into the side road for any hazards. Turn when you can do so without affecting oncoming traffic. Pay extra attention to who is moving towards you and emerging from the side roads. 

If there is a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is also turning right (into the road on your left) there is no priority so be prepared to give way. The speed of the other vehicle and where the driver is looking can often tell you what the driver’s intention is, so assess these as you approach. As the side roads are directly opposite each other, there is the potential for each car to block the other by moving across to the halfway point of the side road. You can be the hero of the situation by holding back slightly and creating room for the other vehicle to turn first. If you do this, make sure a vehicle emerging from one of the side roads isn’t taking advantage and pulling out before you move.  

After entering the new road, have another look in the inside mirror to see what has followed you into it.

Emerging left from the minor road into the major road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced:

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – maintain the normal driving position
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You may not see much at first, but you will build up a gradual picture as you get closer, seeing each hazard one at a time. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. You can then creep safely forwards under clutch control to get a better view while being able to stop quickly but safely if you spot another vehicle. 

In addition to traffic on the major road, you may also have a vehicle in the side road opposite that also wants to turn. If that vehicle is going left or ahead, there isn’t a problem as your paths don’t cross. If the other vehicle is turning right, you have the priority as it is crossing your path. However, the other driver may not be aware of this rule (or care about it!) so make sure it is waiting for you before moving, making eye contact can help, as can looking at the behaviour of the other driver. If they are moving the steering wheel, edging forwards or not paying much attention to you, the chances are they are intent on going first. 

Emerging right from the minor road into the major road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced. As you are turning right and therefore crossing the path of others, everyone has priority over you.

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or as close to the centre as is safe if you are in a narrow road.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You may not see much at first, but you will build up a gradual picture as you get closer, seeing each hazard one at a time. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. You can then creep safely forwards under clutch control to get a better view while being able to stop quickly but safely if you spot another vehicle. 

As you approach and are waiting at the junction, try to make eye contact with the driver opposite. He may let you go first, especially if you are both turning right, and wave or flash the lights at you to show this. If this happens, make sure it is clear everywhere else before committing to the turn. If the view left or right is limited, creep forward using clutch control in the normal way. It is tempting to rush as you know someone is waiting for you but resist! Make sure you emerge safely.

Remember that if the vehicle opposite is turning left or going ahead, you are crossing their path and it is therefore their priority. If they are also turning right, you are crossing each others path and so there is no priority. It will boil down to who wants to be nice! Be prepared to be the considerate driver and let the other guy go first.  

Common Faults

 

The importance of observations can’t be under-stated regardless of the direction you are approaching from, especially if the junction is unmarked. As you potentially need to give way to traffic coming from all directions, don’t be tempted to look in one direction for too long. Constantly turn your head from side to side (imagine you have a stiff neck!) so you keep up to date with the situation on both sides. Even if it is your priority, don’t assume that everyone will give it to you and be prepared to give way. Watching the behaviour of the other vehicle and driver can sometimes tell you what the intentions are.

 

Emerging Right (Minor Road to Major Road)

Emerging right is almost exactly the same as turning left.

Mirror – look at the inside and right mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or as close to the centre as is safe if you are in a narrow road.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You may not see much at first, but you will build up a gradual picture as you get closer, seeing each hazard one at a time. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. You can then creep safely forwards under clutch control to get a better view while being able to stop quickly but safely if you spot another vehicle.

Common Faults

 

As you need to give way to traffic coming from both directions, don’t be tempted to look in one direction for too long. Constantly turn your head from side to side (imagine you have a stiff neck!) so you keep up to date with the situation on both sides.

The timing of the gear change is important. Changing too early into 1st will mean crawling up to the junction at a snail’s pace. Changing too late will make turning more difficult. Wait until you have a rough idea which gear you will need before changing rather than making an assumption. If you are not sure which gear to use, ask yourself this question as you approach the junction; “Can I make my decision (to stop or go) yet?” The answer to this question will tell you which gear you need.

Start to turn right as soon as you leave the junction. If you steer before the give way line, you will be slightly on the wrong side of the road and in the path of anyone turning in. If you steer when you reach your side of the road, you have a lot of work to do to miss the kerb.