Roundabouts

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose the correct approach lane for your exit.
• You can signal left, right or not at all on approach as required.
• You can give way correctly when entering.
• You can signal left before you exit, when practicable.

What you need to know and understand

• Give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
• Turning left (leaving before halfway round): signal left as you approach.
• Turning right (leaving after halfway round) or going all the way round: signal right as you approach.
• Going straight ahead: no signal needed on approach.
• Signal left just before you leave, when passing the exit before yours, unless it is impracticable, for example on a very small roundabout.
• Bicycle riders may turn right from the left lane of a multi-lane roundabout, giving way to exiting vehicles, so watch for them.

Choosing your lane on a multi-lane roundabout

Lane arrows and signs decide which lane to use. Where there are none, the rules are:

• First exit on the left: use the left lane and signal left.
• Straight ahead: use any lane, unless arrows say otherwise.
• Right turn (third or later exit) or full circle: use the right lane and signal right.

Turning right: step by step

1. Approach in the right lane and signal right early.
2. Slow down and look right for vehicles already in the roundabout, and for vehicles about to enter from your right.
3. When there is a safe gap, enter the right lane of the roundabout.
4. Stay in the right lane, keeping left of the centre island.
5. As you pass the exit before yours, signal left.
6. Leave the roundabout without cutting across other lanes, then cancel the signal.

Watching for others

Look out for cyclists and motorbikes, which are small and can be hidden by the island. Trucks and buses may need more room. In NSW, drivers turning at a roundabout do not have to give way to pedestrians unless there is a pedestrian crossing, but you must always take care not to hit anyone, so be ready to stop for people crossing at the entries and exits.

Common mistakes

• Stopping when the roundabout is clear. If no one is coming, keep moving smoothly.
• Forgetting the left signal before exiting.
• Changing lanes inside a multi-lane roundabout without checking.
• Signalling right when going straight ahead, which misleads others.

Test yourself: Roundabouts

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