How to Drive on Roundabouts: A UK Guide for New Drivers

Summary

• Always give way to traffic on your right: This is the golden rule on UK roundabouts.
• Choose your lane early: Left lane for left turns and straight on. Right lane for right turns.
• Signal clearly: Indicate left when you are leaving the roundabout. See our confidence guide for more new driver tips.

Roundabouts are everywhere in the UK. There are over 25,000 of them. Here is how to handle them with confidence.

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The Basic Rules

1. Give way to traffic from the right: Slow down as you approach and look right.
2. Go clockwise: UK roundabouts flow clockwise (to the left as you enter).
3. Choose the correct lane: Based on which exit you are taking.
4. Signal when leaving: Always indicate left before your exit.
5. Check your mirrors: Especially before changing lanes on the roundabout.

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Which Lane to Use

Exit	Approach Lane	Signal On Approach
First exit (turning left)	Left lane	Signal left
Straight ahead	Left lane (or marked lane)	No signal until leaving
Right or beyond (turning right)	Right lane	Signal right, then left when leaving

Always follow road markings on the approach. They override the general rules.

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Mini Roundabouts

Mini roundabouts are small white circles painted on the road. The same rules apply:

• Give way to the right.
• Drive around the circle (do not drive over it unless your vehicle is too large).
• Signal as you would on a normal roundabout.

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Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Large roundabouts with multiple lanes can feel intimidating. Here is how to handle them:

1. Read the road signs and lane markings well in advance.
2. Get into the correct lane early.
3. Do not change lanes on the roundabout unless you need to.
4. Watch for vehicles in the lane next to you when exiting.
5. Mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Every time.

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Common Mistakes New Drivers Make

• Stopping when there is no need: If the roundabout is clear, you can proceed without stopping.
• Forgetting to signal: Other drivers need to know where you are going.
• Wrong lane: If you end up in the wrong lane, go with the flow and find another way round.
• Going too fast: Approach slowly, especially if you cannot see traffic on the right.
• Panicking: If in doubt, go around again. It is perfectly legal.

Remember: if you miss your exit, just go around the roundabout again. It is much safer than cutting across lanes at the last moment.

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Final Thoughts

Roundabouts seem scary at first, but they become second nature with practice. Remember the golden rule: give way to the right, pick your lane early, and signal clearly.

For more help getting confident behind the wheel, read our guide to building driving confidence.

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