Roundabouts

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose the correct approach lane using the clock rule and road markings.
• You can signal correctly on approach and before leaving.
• You can judge a safe gap in traffic from the right and keep moving when clear.
• You can leave the roundabout safely, checking for cyclists and motorcyclists.
• You can deal with mini-roundabouts and roundabouts with traffic lights.

What you need to know and understand

• Go left (clockwise) onto the roundabout and yield to traffic coming from your right.
• Imagine the roundabout as a clock with you arriving at 6 o'clock.
• For exits up to 12 o'clock, use the left lane; for exits after 12 o'clock, use the right lane and signal right.
• Signal left once you pass the exit before the one you want.
• Lane arrows, markings and signs override the clock rule.
• Cyclists and horse riders may stay in the left lane while going round.
• Failing to go left (clockwise) onto a roundabout is a penalty point offence: 1 point if you pay the fixed charge, 3 on conviction.

The clock rule at a glance

• First exit on the left: approach in the left lane, signal left, and keep signalling left until you exit.
• Straight ahead or any exit up to 12 o'clock: approach in the left lane, no signal on approach, then signal left after passing the exit before yours.
• Any exit after 12 o'clock or going full circle: approach in the right lane signalling right, keep signalling right, then switch to left after passing the exit before yours.

Taking a right-hand exit

1. Check mirrors and move into the right-hand lane in good time.
2. Signal right on the approach.
3. Yield to traffic from the right, and go as soon as there is a safe gap.
4. Keep signalling right as you go round.
5. After passing the exit before yours, check your left mirror and blind spot, signal left and move over.
6. Leave, watching for riders still going round on your left.

Who to watch for

Long vehicles may straddle both lanes, so stay out of the space they need. A cyclist in the left lane may be carrying on round, so do not cut across them at your exit. Watch for people crossing the entry and exit roads. At a mini-roundabout, a painted circle, approach slowly and give way to the right in the same way. Where a roundabout has traffic lights, obey them as at any junction.

Common mistakes

• Stopping at the yield line when the way is clear. Keep moving if it is safe; testers mark undue hesitancy.
• Approaching in the wrong lane, then changing lanes on the roundabout without checking.
• Forgetting the left signal before your exit, or signalling left too early.
• Forcing a late lane change to reach an exit. Take the exit your lane leads to and reroute.
• Missing the final left mirror check for cyclists before leaving.

Test yourself: Roundabouts

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Roundabouts in Ireland