1. What Is a Roundabout?

A roundabout is a circular junction where traffic flows clockwise around a central island.

1. Traffic already on the roundabout has priority
2. You must give way to traffic from your right when entering (unless road signs or markings say otherwise)

2. Types of Roundabouts

1. Standard (Large) Roundabouts
   1. Multiple lanes (Often 3 or more exits)
   2. Found on busier roads

2. Mini-Roundabouts
   1. Smaller, often in residential or urban areas
   2. Usually marked by a painted white circle or low dome
   3. Must be treated exactly like larger roundabouts
   4. Never treat them as a simple T-junction

3. Key Rules for ALL Roundabouts

1. Use the MSPSL Routine on Approach: Mirrors – Signal – Position – Speed – Look
2. Approaching
   1. Check road signs and lane markings early
   2. Choose the correct lane before reaching the roundabout
   3. Reduce speed and select an appropriate gear
   4. Look right and give way if traffic is already on or approaching
   5. Check mirrors and blind spots for:
      • Cyclists
      • Motorbikes
      • Pedestrians
      • Long vehicles (buses, lorries)

4. Entering

1. Only enter when it is safe — do not force gaps
2. Be especially aware of cyclists and horse riders (often stay in the left lane even when going ahead)

5. Exiting

1. Signal left AFTER passing the exit before yours
2. Check mirrors before exiting (interior + left door mirror)
3. Watch for:
   • Pedestrians
   • Cyclists
   • Zebra or signal-controlled crossings near exits

6. On the Roundabout

1. Keep to your chosen lane
2. Avoid unnecessary lane changes
3. Watch other road users changing lanes or exiting unexpectedly

7. Lane Choice & Signalling (Important for the Test)

1. Turning Left (1st Exit)
   1. Approach in the left lane
   2. Signal left on approach
   3. Stay left
   4. Signal left to exit
2. Going Ahead (Usually 2nd Exit)
   1. Approach in the left lane (or middle lane on large multi-lane roundabouts)
   2. No signal on approach
   3. Signal left after passing the previous exit
3. Turning Right (3rd Exit or Full Circle)
   1. Approach in the right lane
   2. Signal right on approach
   3. Keep right
   4. Signal left after passing the exit before yours

8. Multi-Lane Roundabouts

1. Plan early — late lane changes can cause serious faults
2. Stay in your lane unless markings clearly allow a change
3. Do not rely on other drivers to “give way”

9. Common Driving Test Faults (Especially on Mini-Roundabouts)

1. Poor observation to the right
2. Rushing into unsafe gaps
3. Driving over the central island unnecessarily
4. Missing mirror checks when exiting
5. Incorrect or missing signals

10. Real Driving Test Fail Scenarios

1. Scenario: The examiner says “Turn right at the mini-roundabout.”
   • The learner: Does not position to the right, Hesitates or stops unnecessarily and Enters without a clear plan.
   • Result: Serious fault — Incorrect positioning and planning at a junction
2. Exam Scenario: Driving Straight Over a Mini-Roundabout
   • The learner goes straight over the white centre circle to save time, even though it was avoidable.
   • Result: Serious fault — Failure to follow road layout / Highway Code
3. Exam Scenario: Wrong Lane on a Multi-Lane Roundabout
   • The learner approaches in the wrong lane, realises late, then brakes suddenly and Tries to change lanes unsafely or hesitates and blocks traffic
   • Result: Serious fault — Unsafe lane discipline and poor planning