Roundabouts and lane choice

By the end of this topic you can

• You can read the advance sign and decide your exit before you reach the roundabout.
• You can pick the right lane for left, ahead and right turns.
• You can give way to traffic from the right and join in a safe gap without stopping unnecessarily.
• You can signal correctly on approach, on the roundabout and when leaving.
• You can watch for cyclists, motorcyclists, long vehicles and pedestrians around the roundabout.

What you need to know and understand

• On reaching a roundabout you normally give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs, markings or lights say otherwise.
• Use mirrors, signal, manoeuvre at every stage: approach, on the roundabout and leaving.
• For a left turn, signal left, approach in the left lane and keep signalling as you leave.
• For a right turn or going full circle, signal right, approach in the right lane and signal left after passing the exit before yours.
• For ahead or other middle exits, you normally do not need to signal on approach; signal left after the exit before yours.
• Cyclists and horse riders may stay in the left lane while going right round the roundabout, so give them room and do not cut across them.
• Long vehicles may straddle lanes or take a different course on and around the roundabout.

Breaking the approach into stages

1. Read the advance direction sign and count which exit you need.
2. Check your mirrors and signal if your exit needs an approach signal (left or right).
3. Move into the correct lane early and follow any lane arrows painted on the road.
4. Slow down and start looking right well before the give way line.
5. If there is a safe gap, keep moving and join; if not, stop at the line and wait.
6. Keep to your lane on the roundabout, check your left mirror and signal left after you pass the exit before yours.
7. Check your mirrors again and leave in the correct lane, watching for pedestrians crossing the exit road.

Which lane for which exit

On a simple two-lane approach, use the left lane for exits to the left and usually for straight ahead, and the right lane for exits to the right. Painted arrows and signs always take priority over this general guide, so if the lane markings show something different, follow them.

If there are more than three lanes at the entrance, use the lane that best suits your exit. Some large roundabouts have their own lane markings all the way round; these are covered on the multi-lane and spiral roundabouts page.

Who else to watch for

• Pedestrians crossing the roads you are entering and leaving.
• Vehicles crossing in front of you, especially those leaving at the next exit.
• Cyclists and horse riders who may be in the left lane but signalling right.
• Motorcyclists, who can be hidden by other vehicles.
• Long vehicles that need extra room and may straddle lanes.

Common mistakes

• Stopping at the line when the way is clear. Look early so you can judge the gap while still moving slowly.
• Forgetting the left signal before your exit. Use the exit before yours as your reminder.
• Choosing a lane too late and swerving across. Read the sign early and settle in your lane before the line.
• Looking only right and pulling into the back of the car in front. Check ahead again just before you go.
• Leaving the right signal on when you exit, which confuses drivers waiting to join.

Test yourself: Roundabouts and lane choice

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

Go deeper

• Mini Roundabout Rules