How To Deal With Roundabouts

When you are asked to turn left at a roundabout the examiner will say something like " I would like you to take the first exit left at the roundabout " At the time he asks you to do this you should be thinking about the M-S-P-S-L routine, remember this stands for Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed and Look. Check your centre mirror and then your left mirror, then signal left, then position to the left unless road signs tell your otherwise, then alter your speed ( slowing down on the approach to the roundabout ) and then look to the right as this is where approaching traffic will be coming from. Remember at roundabouts we always give priority to the right. When it is safe to do so you may then make your turn to the left.
When you are asked to go straight ahead at a roundabout the examiner will say something like " I would like you to follow the road ahead at the roundabout taking the second exit " At the time he asks you to do this you should be thinking about the M-S-P-S-L routine, remember this stands for Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed and Look. Check your centre mirror, the signal in this case might be a break light to tell others that you are slowing down, then position to the left unless road signs tell your otherwise as there are some roundabouts that require you to get in the right lane to go straight ahead but these will be clearly marked on the approach, then alter your speed ( slowing down on the approach to the roundabout ) and then look to the right as this is where approaching traffic will be coming from. Remember at roundabouts we always give priority to the right. When it is safe to do so you may then follow the road ahead keeping to the left, signal left when you are opposite the first exit to tell other drivers you are going to exit the roundabout.
When you are asked to turn right at a roundabout the examiner will say something like " I would like you to take the third exit right at the roundabout " At the time he asks you to do this you should be thinking about the M-S-P-S-L routine, remember this stands for Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed and Look. Check your centre mirror and then your right mirror, then signal right, then position to the right, then alter your speed ( slowing down on the approach to the roundabout ) and then look to the right as this is where approaching traffic will be coming from. Remember at roundabouts we always give priority to the right. When it is safe to do so you may then make your turn to the right keeping to the inside of the roundabout, we refer to this as hugging the roundabout. Once you are at the junction before the one you want to take, for example the second junction, you will then check your centre mirror and left mirror and then change your right signal to a left signal and take the third exit off of the roundabout

 

rbsign minirb rdmarkings lanesign
Road sign:
Roundabout ahead		 Road sign:
Mini roundabout ahead		 Road markings:
indicating traffic lanes		 Road sign:
Details of exit routes

 

Roundabouts allow traffic to merge smoothly together and in doing so keep the overall traffic stream flowing smoothly.

Remember - at a roundabout you must give way to traffic approaching from your right, unless told otherwise by road signs, road markings or traffic lights. Vehicles already on the roundabout may fail to signal correctly. If in doubt, hold back! Look out for vehicles:

  • Turning right without indicating
  • Indicating right but going straight on
  • Using the right hand to go straight ahead
  • Making a U-turn.

At all stages use Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSN).

Mini-Roundabouts: approach these as you would a normal roundabout but remember there is less space and you will have less time to signal. You must pass around the centre markings.

On Your Driving Test When Taking A Roundabout The Examiner Will Expect You To:

  • Use the MSM routine
  • Position your car correctly and use the correct speed
  • Choose the correct lane where there are road markings
  • Watch out for motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists
  • Take effective observations
  • Assess the speed of the traffic.