Roundabouts – The Ultimate Guide!

Different Types of Roundabouts

Great Britain is famous for its roundabouts. Roundabouts are everywhere, no matter where you travel you are bound to come across one. A roundabout is a type of junction that allows you to change direction, either to the left, ahead or to the right. Some roundabouts have two exits, three exits or more. There is no set rule for how many exits a roundabout may have.

Roundabouts come in all shapes and sizes. From mini-roundabouts with 2 exits to multiple lane traffic light controlled ring road systems with 6 exits. When it comes to roundabouts it is very important to become acquainted with their purpose and their rules. Learning how to deal with roundabouts is a fundamental part of becoming a safe and legal driver. Learning about the many various types of roundabouts can be challenging for even the advanced driver, and more so the learner driver.

Here is a guide to roundabouts and the various types of roundabouts that you may encounter.

Mini Roundabouts

These types of roundabouts are often found in residential areas and are often used instead of t-junctions. The design of these types of roundabouts is to improve traffic flow in areas where some minor roads typically build up with traffic congestion. By using a mini-roundabout type junction, the traffic flow is often improved by giving equal priority to all exits.

Double Mini-Roundabouts

Double or even triple roundabouts are often used instead of a traffic light controlled crossroads junction. In some areas, the road layout requires multiple junctions – so a double roundabout may be used instead of other types. As a driver, it is important to know you are dealing with a double junction as this will help you plan your road position early.

Standard Roundabouts

Standard roundabouts are roundabouts that typically are ‘3-prong-exit’ roundabouts. They will have a left exit, a straight-ahead exit and a right exit. Very often, they can be found in residential and built-up areas, and in towns and city centres. They are NOT usually controlled by traffic lights but sometimes, may only have 2 or 4 exits also. They are not multiple lane roundabouts but can allow two vehicles to travel on the roundabout at the same time.

Traffic Light Controlled Roundabouts

Traffic light controlled roundabouts are often busier junctions that often form part of a ring-road infrastructure. These types of roundabouts can also be part of slip road exits and multiple exit destinations. They can also be found in busy towns and city centres to improve traffic flow and ease congestion. Traffic controlled roundabouts eliminate emerging issues and gives equal priority to all roads and exits.

Multiple Lane Roundabouts

Multiple lane roundabouts are often part of traffic light controlled roundabouts and very often part of a ring road sequence. Sometimes you may have more than 3 exits, very often up to 5- 6 exits. These types of roundabouts can be found in busy parts of towns and city centres and frequently can be found in business parks, logistics and retail areas of a town or city centre.

There are many types of roundabouts, these can include: Mini-roundabouts, double mini-roundabouts, triple mini-roundabouts, traffic light controlled roundabouts, multi-lane roundabouts. Here is a quick guide.

Mini-roundabouts

Mini-roundabouts are small roundabouts that are often found in residential areas. They usually only have one lane in any direction. Mini-roundabouts are often an alternative solution to t-junctions. One of the benefits of using a mini-roundabout instead of a T-junction is that it frees up traffic congestion and allows the free-flowing movement from all connecting roads.

Mini-roundabouts often come with a small humped circle painted in the middle of the roundabout and have warning signs displayed.

Again, you should always give way to the right and you should travel in a clockwise direction. The Highway Code states that you should not drive over the white circle, but instead you should travel around it.

Mini-roundabouts can be hard to see as they are really small. It is important to search the road for traffic signs and give-way road markings on the approach.

Approaching traffic from the right may also be hard to see due to buildings blocking your observations on the approach. You should always drive with due care and attention and be able to stop within the distance seen to be clear.

Some mini-roundabouts may be open or closed due to the type of area you are driving in. An open mini-roundabout will allow you to see clearly to the right on the approach. Unlike closed junctions, you are able to observe the road early and will have more time to make decisions.

However, mini-roundabouts tend to be closed junctions – you can expect to have buildings or trees blocking your view to either the right or the left on the approach. It is really important to be able to identify that you are approaching a closed mini-roundabout early so that you can prepare earlier for the junction. This will often result in you slowing down a lot sooner and selecting first gear.

Some mini-roundabouts come with two or three exits, it is rare to have more than three exits at a mini-roundabout. All mini-roundabouts come with a give-way warning sign on the approach.

 

How To Deal With Mini-Roundabouts

When it comes to mini-roundabouts you should follow this advice:

1. You should decide if the mini is a closed or open junction on the approach
2. You should signal left or right on the approach
3. You should give way to the right on the approach
4. You should avoid overtaking cyclists on the approach
5. You should look out for information signs, order signs and warning signs on the approach
6. You should avoid driving over the inner white circle
7. When travelling ahead, you should signal left to exit the roundabout only if you have enough time and your steering isn’t compromised.

Double Mini-Roundabouts

Double mini-roundabouts are used instead of traffic controlled junctions. One of their benefits is to allow the free movement of traffic that eases congestion in certain parts of towns or cities.

To the driver, and especially the learner driver, they can be quite daunting – when dealing with double mini-roundabouts you should observe the traffic signs on the approach and determine which direction you intend to travel in.

You should deal with each roundabout as if it is a single roundabout. Prepare nice and early and look at all traffic signs on the approach. You should identify whether the roundabout is an open or closed junction and prepare your road position nice and early.

You should be aware of pedestrian crossings before and after the roundabout. Sometimes you may have a zebra crossing or a traffic light controlled crossing that you will have to deal with. These can often be tiresome to drivers especially if there is a pedestrian crossing upon the exit. At the point you are accelerating of the roundabout, sometimes you may need to brake to stop for a red traffic light. Observe the road ahead, so that you do NOT get caught out.

When driving through a mini-roundabout it is important that you do NOT drive over the inner white circle on the mini roundabout. This rule can be found in the Highway Code. This is illegal and should be avoided at all times. Although many drivers do drive over the painted circle, you should not follow their example.

You should set the standard and be the example to other road users when dealing with mini-roundabouts.

How To Deal With Double Mini-Roundabouts

When it comes to mini-roundabouts you should follow this advice:

1. You should decide if the mini is a closed or open junction on the approach
2. You should signal left or right on the approach
3. You should give way to the right on the approach
4. You should avoid overtaking cyclists on the approach
5. You should look out for information signs, order signs and warning signs on the approach
6. You should avoid driving over the inner white circle
7. When travelling ahead, you should signal left to exit the roundabout only if you have enough time and your steering isn’t compromised.
8. When dealing with double mini-roundabouts you should make sure you plan your next road position early. The second roundabout may have lanes so it is important to select the correct lane for your desired destination.

 

Standard Roundabouts

Standard roundabouts or ‘normal’ roundabouts, and can usually be found in residential areas and normally have three exits. One exit to the left, one ahead and one to the right.

They will also come with a road traffic sign warning you of a roundabout ahead. Sometimes there will also be an information sign giving directions to local destinations.

How To Deal With Standard Roundabouts

When it comes to dealing with roundabouts it is really important to know the rules of roundabouts, how to plan your approach and to inform other road users of your intentions. It is also vital to emerging safely and position your vehicle correctly on the roundabout at all times.

Here are some rules:

1. Always apply the MSPSL routine on the approach
2. Always give way to the right
3. Judge a safe gap when you emerge and not affect other road users at any time
4. Search the road for hazards, such as cyclists, pedestrians vulnerable road users.
5. Position your vehicle correctly on the roundabout
6. Make progress when you exit the roundabout

The Use Of The MSPSL Routine At Roundabouts

When learning to drive, one of the earliest routines you will become familiar with is the use of the MSPSL routine. This method is the benchmark of how to approach all types of junctions, and this should also be used when dealing with roundabouts. Here is a breakdown of the method.

The Use of Mirrors

When you approach a roundabout it is important to check your mirrors correctly. If you do NOT look and respond to traffic accordingly, you may cause an accident. If you intend to travel ahead, you should check your speed mirror (interior mirror) to ensure you can safely start to slow down. If someone is travelling behind you too closely, you may need to pre-warn them earlier by applying your brake lights sooner.

If you intend to turn left at the roundabout, you should also check your left wing mirror (nearside mirror) to ensure there is NOT a cyclist on your left. If you are intending to turn right – you should also check your right-wing mirror (offside mirror) to make sure there are NO overtaking vehicles. If you notice a motorbike overtaking you, you may NOT be able to turn right, and indeed may need to travel ahead or even to the left at the roundabout. What you see in your mirrors determines what actions you take, whether it is safe to turn, and indeed if you can safely travel to your desired destination.

The Use Of Signals

when you approach a roundabout it is important to signal correctly. Very often poor signals or lack of signals can confuse other road users and this, in turn, may cause an accident. You MUST signal in good time. However, applying a signal too early can also be confusing especially if there are side roads prior to the roundabout. You should scan the road ahead and if there are NO other side roads, then apply a signal in the direction you are travelling.

Signals should always be applied after you have thoroughly checked your mirrors and indeed not before you have checked your mirrors. When travelling ahead – it is important to only signal when you are about to exit the roundabout. You SHOULD NOT signal right on the approach as you are indeed NOT turning right.

When travelling to the right, you will need to apply two signals. One to the right on the approach, and one to the left when you are about to exit the roundabout.

Road Position on the Approach

When it comes to road position you should get into position for your turn as soon as you have pre-warned other road users of your direction by your signals. If you intend to turn left, it is important to position left nice and early. If you intend to travel ahead, you should normally position your vehicle to the left – unless road signs tell you otherwise. If this is the case, you should position to the right and then once you have entered the roundabout you should then move back to the left lane in preparation for your exit.

If you intend to turn right, you should position your car on the right and then move to the left lane after you have passed the exit before the one in which you intend to take. Of course, before you do so, you should check your left-wing mirror to ensure there is no traffic on your left.

Approach Speed & Use of Gears 

When approaching a roundabout, it is important to slow down in plenty of time. Reducing your speed safely is a skill that needs lots of practice. You should always aim to be less than 20 mph with at least 5 car lengths away from the roundabout. Braking progressively is very important too. Braking too late can cause a rear-end accident so it is important that you practice this when learning to drive.

Ideally, you should either select first or second gear when approaching a roundabout, and of course, this is after you have slowed down. Depending on what you see, will determine what your next action will be. If the roundabout is clear, you should aim to continue and select second gear as you have reduced your speed to below 20 mph. If you are NOT able to emerge, you will need to come to a stop and select 1st gear as you wait for a gap in the traffic.

Observations at Roundabouts

When dealing with roundabouts it is vital to look to the right and observe correctly. Observations at junctions are the number one reason why learner drivers fail their practical test in the UK. It is really important to make sure you have a thorough look before emerging onto a roundabout. Poor observations at junctions also contribute to most traffic accidents in urban areas in the UK.

Sometimes, learner drivers often only check once and make a decision solely on their first glance to the right. It is important to also check ahead at the roundabout, as oncoming vehicles may be turning right, which you would need to give way to.

Experienced drivers may look multiple times, sometimes 3-4 checks to the right before entering the roundabout. Once you do enter the roundabout it is vital that you continue to observe to the right as well as in the direction that you are travelling. An extra glance could prevent you from having an accident on the roundabout.

 

Road Signs At Roundabouts

When you approach a roundabout – you will see information and warning signs. It is important to look for these at every opportunity. When planning your journey, you will be able to plan nice and early where you need to position your vehicle. If you do NOT look for the road signs, you may get into the wrong lane and be forced to travel in another direction.

Bigger roundabouts tend to have direction signs detailing major routes. Again, it is important to study these signs to help you plan your road position nice and early.

Road Position & Road Markings At Roundabouts

When approaching a roundabout you should position your car to the left to turn left or when travelling ahead (straight on). You should check the road for road markings on the approach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes you may find road markings in the form of arrows painted on the road. In which case, if you intend to travel ahead, you should make sure you are not positioned in a left only lane. If there is a left arrow on the road, you should travel ahead at the roundabout in the right-hand lane.

It is also very important to position your car back to the left lane once you have passed the first exit.

If you are travelling right at a roundabout, you should position your car in the right-hand lane. When you wish to exit the roundabout you should position the car to the left for the exit road you intend to take.

Before you change your road position, you should check your left-hand wing mirror (nearside mirror) to look for any vehicles travelling on your left.

Give way markings are always painted on the road at roundabouts. It is very important to understand their purpose and obey their rules. You should NOT overhand the give way markings, and should NEVER block the roundabout by doing so. Give way markings also mean STOP if there is traffic preventing you from entering the roundabout. Again, know the rules of all road markings when dealing with roundabouts.

Sometimes you may find other road markings such as box junctions, cycle lanes, bus lanes, and stop lines. It is also your responsibility to understand their purpose and obey their rules.

Signals At Roundabouts In Detail

When it comes to signals it is very important to give clear signals at roundabouts. Not signalling can be very dangerous and it can encourage other drivers to enter the roundabout when it is not safe to do so. You should always signal in good time on the approach, you should signal correctly and you should always apply a signal when exiting the roundabout.

When travelling ahead at a roundabout, you should not signal on the approach – but instead, you should signal left as you pass the first exit. Whether you intend to travel left, ahead or right you should always apply a left signal upon exit.

This helps approaching traffic to know that you are about to exit the roundabout. In turn, this indication enables the other road user to take action and enter the roundabout.

Some common mistakes that learners make at roundabouts include signalling right when indeed they are travelling ahead. This is very bad practice and can be very confusing to other road users.

So make sure you think before applying your signal and know that you are signalling correctly. Follow the following guide:

• Make sure you always check the road for side roads before the roundabout before applying a signal
• Make sure you always signal correctly – if you are travelling ahead, wait until you pass the first exit before applying a left signal
• Make sure you signal in plenty of time

 

Traffic Light Controlled Roundabouts

Some roundabouts are controlled by traffic lights. This can be an advantage if you are not confident about emerging onto roundabouts. However, these types of roundabouts are often located at busy junctions and on roundabouts with multiple lanes. It is really important to observe the roundabout on the approach and determine which type of roundabout you are approaching.

Planning your journey early is also vital to dealing with the roundabout safely. On the approach, you will have some information road signs informing you of the various routes available to you. The first road sign will detail major destinations (this road sign is usually green or blue) and the secondary road sign will normally inform you of local destinations and is white in colour.  Very often, the second sign will be more useful to you if you are planning a local journey.

It is also important to observe the roundabout for road markings. On occasion, you may notice a cycle lane or a bus lane on the exit of the roundabout. If you notice cycle lane road markings, you should obey the rules of the road and keep the area clear for cyclists when waiting on a red traffic light.

Very often you will also get pedestrian crossings on the approach or upon exit. Again, it is very important to be aware of such hazards and respond safely to what is happening around you at all times. Very often, pedestrian crossings are inter-linked within traffic lights especially where residential areas are nearby. All the rules with regards to road markings and traffic light sequences apply.

 

Left Filter Lanes At Roundabouts

Sometimes you may encounter a left filter lane at some roundabouts. It is very important to understand their purpose and to deal with them correctly. If you approach a roundabout and you see the traffic lights are holding the traffic on red, it is important to know if the red traffic light is controlling the lane that you are in.

If you intend to turn left at the roundabout – the traffic lights may only be controlling the traffic continuing ahead and not indeed to the left. On the approach, you should look at the road signs and notice if the road sign details a left filter lane. This normally looks like a slip road of the roundabout on the road sign. The purpose of this type of lane is to ease congestion. These types of lanes at roundabouts are becoming more and more common as traffic increases on the roads in the UK. The design allows more traffic through the junction to help ease congestion.

Box Junctions At Roundabouts

Some roundabouts that are controlled by traffic lights may incorporate a box junction on the roundabout. It is very important to be aware of the rules of the box junction so that you don’t break the laws of the Highway Code. Box junctions are often used to avoid blockages on the roundabout – which in turn, improve the flow of the traffic.

Sometimes, however, the road markings may not always be visible to you when you first enter the roundabout. They may only be visible once you enter and travel part way round. It is vital that you always be vigilant of the road markings as you move onto and around the roundabout. You should never wait in a box junction, and should always keep the road clear at all times.

Slip roads and Roundabouts

On some major routes, you will notice some roundabout exits may lead you to slip roads for dual carriageways. It is really important to know that you are exiting onto a slip road as you will need to accelerate to match the speed of the road that you are joining.

Some major roundabouts have this type of layout as it enables the driver to access the slip road with ease. As opposed to from a T-junction type junction. Very often these types of roundabouts are multiple lane roundabouts and can often have up to 5 or 6 exits. It is really important to pay close attention to the exit you are needing and get in the correct lane on the approach. It is really important to observe the traffic lights and respond safely and legally at all times.

 

Multiple Lane Roundabouts

Multiple lane roundabouts are often found on ring road sequences and networks. They can also be found on dual-carriageway and motorway networks and maybe near slip roads and major routes in towns and city centres. It is really important to plan your journey early when dealing with multiple lane roundabouts.

Very often, these types of roundabouts will have multiple lanes, usually more than 2 lanes. Sometimes they may even have up to 5 or 6 lanes. These are common near motorways and dual carriageways. Town centre multiple lane roundabouts tend to be smaller than the ones found on major routes.

Very often, these types of junctions will be controlled by traffic lights. However, it does NOT mean all entrance roads will be. Some minor routes entering the roundabout may not be controlled by traffic lights. Some roundabouts will have many phases on the roundabout where you will need to stop for red traffic lights. Dependent on the design of the roundabout will determine where traffic lights are positioned on it.

Dealing with roundabout lanes can be challenging, even for experienced drivers, it is very important to pay attention to the route in which you intend to travel and what lane you need to select on the approach. Very often you will often see road markings as well as road signs, so being vigilant whilst travelling around the roundabout will help you plan and keep to your lane.

It is also important not to change lanes and to look at the road markings as you travel around the roundabout. Learner drivers often get confused and cross over the white lines making themselves vulnerable with other vehicles. Unlike standard roundabouts with no road markings, these types of roundabouts are often easier to keep a good road position whilst travelling around them than standard roundabouts are. It is important to follow your lane whilst looking out for road markings and traffic lights and other road markings such as box junction, cycle and bus lanes. A lot of practice is needed to become confident with multiple lane roundabouts.

 

Priorities & Emerging at Roundabouts

When it comes to priorities it is very important to give -way to traffic from the right. Unlike normal junctions when you give-way to the left and the right, it is important to know who has priority, when to give priority and when to take priority.

You should not give way to the left at a roundabout, this could cause you to fail a test, apart from the obvious of holding up traffic. It also can cause a lot of confusion for other road users.

Emerging can also be hard to judge at roundabouts. Deciding upon a safe gap to enter the roundabout can be tricky. It is really important to be able to judge the traffic flow. When looking to the right – you should also assess the road ahead for approaching traffic turning right.

On smaller roundabouts, approaching traffic can be hidden by shrubs or road signs and vehicles can travel around the roundabout very fast.

When observing at roundabouts you should be aware of your vehicle’s blind spots. Cars tend to have blind spots where the front windscreen pillar is, you should be prepared to lean forward to get a better view of the roundabout.

Also, you should pay particular care to look out for cyclists and motorbike riders. Other restrictions to observations can be caused by bushes and trees on the roundabouts, and often there may be road traffic signs obscuring your view of the roundabout.

When emerging, you should also consider the other vehicle’s road position – and you shouldn’t judge a safe gap solely on indicators alone. Road position is another strong indication of where other vehicles intend to travel.

For example, if you see another vehicle positioned near to the roundabout, you may judge that they are turning right – to which you would decide not to emerge onto the roundabout. When deciding on when to emerge onto a roundabout – you should observe other traffic’s road position as well as their signals.

 

Cyclists At Roundabouts

When it comes to dealing with cyclists at roundabouts you should drive with due care and attention. It is really important to anticipate their actions and expect them to take any direction at the last minute. Cyclists may not know the rules of the road, and very often have no or little experience riding on the roads.

Sometimes cyclists will give hand signals to inform other road users their intention of turning, again, be aware that this may not be correct and again, you should anticipate them taking any exit at the roundabout.

You should always pass slow and wide if you do intend to pass a cyclist at a roundabout, but you should make sure it is safe to do so. A safer option would be to keep the cyclist ahead of you and only pass them once you can see the exit and there are no obstructions or approaching traffic.

 

Dealing With Hazards At Roundabouts

When travelling on roundabouts, you may encounter lots of hazards. Hazards come in a variety of forms and it is important to be on the lookout for any problems on your route. Using anticipation skills will enable you to keep one step ahead and improve your reactions to any hazards you may come encounter.

Common hazards you may find are:

1. Cyclists before, during and after the roundabout
2. Motorbikes before, during and after the roundabout
3. Lorries positioned to the left or the right dependent on which direction they are turning
4. Pedestrian crossings before and after the roundabout
5. Pedestrians crossing the road before, during and after the roundabout
6. Roadworks before during and after the roundabout
7. Traffic lights before, during and after the roundabout
8. Broken down vehicles, before, during and after the roundabout
9. Congestion before, during and after the roundabout
10. Emergency vehicles before during and after the roundabout
11. Animals such as birds, rodents and dogs before, during and after the roundabout.
12. Roundabout exit closures

 

Dealing With Lorries At Roundabouts

When it comes to dealing with lorries at roundabouts it is really important to understand how they manoeuvre and what to expect when they turn. Due to their size, lorries often will need two lanes to turn safely. Very often, if they are signalling left, they may be positioned to the right, and vice versa.

Some roundabouts are very small, and the lorry is required to place their vehicle in the opposite road position to make their intended turn. Sometimes resulting in them travelling over the roundabout itself. Some roundabouts are designed with an inner humped circle, and this is intended to help lorries turn and give them the extra space that they need. It is really important to understand these rules so that you do NOT get caught out when it comes to dealing with lorries and roundabouts.

You should always hold back and let the lorry turn safely. If you are waiting to emerge at a roundabout and you are positioned in the left lane, and you have a lorry to your right. You should allow the lorry to emerge first as they may need to cross your path to turning correctly. This also applies to buses, coaches and large transit vans.

You should also NOT emerge if you cannot see the road is also clear. Sometimes drivers may use the larger vehicle as a shield before emerging, but this could be very dangerous. Only emerge if you can see to the right yourself. Never use another vehicle as a shield.

 

Dealing With Road Works At Roundabouts

Sometimes you may encounter roadworks at roundabouts. And sometimes your exit may be blocked off. It is important to look out for road signs and workmen when dealing with roundabouts. If your exit road is blocked, you should aim to take the very next exit on your left. You should also be aware of traffic coming from your right if you need to change your road position.

 

Changing Lanes On A Roundabout

When it comes to multiple lane roundabouts or even roundabouts with no road markings – you should always treat the exercise or manoeuvre as a ‘lane change’, and with this, you should use the MSM method. Blind spots are also needed to change lanes as other vehicles could be hidden in your blind spots.

When turning it is vital you only move back to the left lane once you are sure there are no vehicles travelling on your left. Smaller roundabouts are easier to navigate and may not need a left shoulder check, but the larger the roundabout and the more space that is on your left may require the further check.

If you are unable to change lanes back to the left, it is important that you change your plans and continue around the roundabout until it is clear for you to exit safely.

 

Passing Your Driving Test

When it comes to passing your driving test you can check out our article on 101 reasons to fail your driving test. This article will give you some test driving tips and help prepare you for your practical exam.

When it comes to dealing with roundabouts on your driving test, here are some tips:

1. Observe efficiently and only emerge when it is safe to do so
2. Do NOT enter a roundabout if you can’t see clearly to the right, and never use another vehicle as a shield
3. If you have to stop, make sure you do so before the give way markings. If you overhang the junction, you may affect other road users and fail your driving test.
4. If you stall at a roundabout. Make sure you keep the vehicle under control and make progress as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
5. Make sure you respond to all types of hazards correctly, including crossings, pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes, lorries, animals, blockages and roadworks.
6. Obey all traffic light signals
7. Signal correctly on the approach and as you exit
8. Change lanes safely with the correct use of mirrors and blind spots
9. Do NOT affect other vehicles in any way
10. Make progress on the roundabout and avoid hesitation where possible
11. Always be ready to move onto the roundabout especially if you are waiting in a queue of traffic
12. Maintain control of the car at all times, and do NOT rollback at any stage.
13. Be aware of road markings and box junctions, and avoid blocking them at all times
14. Never wave or flash other vehicles at the roundabout to emerge or cross the road. If you have NOT observed correctly, you may lead them into danger.
15. DO NOT straight line a roundabout. Make sure you hold your road position when travelling ahead at the roundabout by keeping to the left.
16. Always give way to the right. Never give way to the left on smaller roundabouts and do NOT get confused with mini roundabout rules and t-junctions rules.