Read the junction before entering
Treat entry, circulation and exit as three separate decisions.
A useful look to the left does not replace observation during the rest of the manoeuvre. Reduce speed early, identify your exit and read lane arrows and signs. Local directions take precedence over general guidance. Following the car ahead is not a substitute for deciding which lane serves your destination.
Choose a suitable lane
- Keep right for a right-hand exit, and generally position left for a left-hand destination.
- To continue ahead, choose the most suitable lane: this is usually the right lane where several are available, not an absolute rule.
- For example, arrows may permit straight-ahead travel from two lanes.
- On a single-lane roundabout, spare asphalt width does not create another lane in which to squeeze beside a car.
Entry priority and lane changes are different
Give way to traffic already circulating when you enter.
Make your intention clear by slowing early and stopping before the give-way line if necessary. A driver changing lanes within the roundabout must also give way. Being in the inner lane does not entitle you to cross the outer lane in front of another vehicle. An indicator communicates an intention; it does not grant priority.
Time your signals
- For the first exit, signal right before entering and maintain the signal through the exit.
- For a later exit, begin the right signal as you reach the preceding exit.
- A left signal before entry can help others understand a left-hand destination, particularly at a small roundabout with good visibility; it is not a blanket instruction to signal left on every entry.
- A lane change requires its own observation and signal.
Example: your exit is beside you
You are in the inner lane and another car is alongside on your right.
Do not cut across it to reach your exit. Keep a safe course and obey permitted lane directions, even if you miss the turn. Another circuit is an option only where the layout and markings allow it. Navigation can recalculate a route; it cannot remove your duty to give way during a lane change.
Finish the manoeuvre safely
- Before leaving, check beside the car and look for a crossing beyond the roundabout.
- Do not accelerate until the path is clear.
- Practise this sequence: signs and exit → speed and lane → give way at entry → observe while circulating → signal right → exit safely.
- When reviewing a mistake, identify whether it concerned positioning, observation or an unchecked lane change.
- That is more useful than learning one rigid formula for every roundabout.
