Roundabouts
The #1 feared manoeuvre — 68% of learners say it's their biggest challenge
What the examiner watches
The examiner is watching four things: (1) Your approach — are you in the correct lane and at the right speed before you arrive? (2) Your observation — did you look right and check for traffic already on the roundabout? (3) Your decision — did you go when it was genuinely safe, not just when you felt pressured? (4) Your exit — did you signal left and check your left mirror before leaving? They are NOT watching to catch you out. They want to see that you make safe decisions, not perfect ones.
Step-by-step
- 1
Approach in the correct lane: left lane for exits 1 and 2 (up to 12 o'clock), right lane for exits 3+ (past 12 o'clock). If unsure, use left lane.
- 2
Reduce speed on approach. You should be at a speed where you can stop if necessary — usually 2nd gear.
- 3
Look right as you approach. Give way to traffic already on the roundabout — they have priority.
- 4
Assess the gap: if traffic is coming from your right continuously, wait. If there's a clear gap where you could safely cross, go.
- 5
As you go around: stay in your lane. Your eyes should follow the curve of the roundabout, not drift.
- 6
Before your exit: signal left. Check your left mirror. Exit smoothly.
- 7
Accelerate gently after leaving — you're back on a normal road.
Common mistakes — and how to fix them
What it looks like
Arriving at the roundabout in the left lane when you're taking the 3rd exit (9 o'clock or beyond)
The fix
Memorise the rule: left lane = exits up to 12 o'clock, right lane = exits past 12 o'clock. Check your lane before you're on the roundabout.
What it looks like
You stop and wait even when there's clearly no traffic coming — or you stop and start repeatedly
The fix
Set a rule for yourself: if the roundabout is clear when you arrive, you go. Don't re-evaluate what you already assessed as clear. Trust your judgement.
What it looks like
You drift from the outer lane to the inner lane (or vice versa) while going around
The fix
Look at the lane markings as you go around, not just the car in front. The painted lane lines are your guide.
What it looks like
You signal left to exit but don't check your left mirror before moving left
The fix
Build a mantra: 'signal, mirror, exit.' Say it out loud every time you practise until it's automatic.
What it looks like
You slow down too much on approach, drop to first gear, and stall before you reach the give-way line
The fix
Approach in second gear. If you need to stop, come to a controlled stop in first. Stalling is a minor fault — it does not automatically fail you. Stay calm, restart, continue.
How to practise
- →
Mental rehearsal: close your eyes and walk through the approach, give-way check, gap decision, and exit for a specific roundabout you know. Do this the night before your test.
- →
Ask your instructor to drill the same roundabout 5–10 times in a single lesson — repetition builds the habit faster than variety at this stage.
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After every roundabout in practice, ask yourself: 'Did I check mirrors on exit? Did I signal before moving left?' If no to either — note it.