If you’re new to the UK or to driving, roundabouts can be perplexing and difficult to navigate. Roundabouts are typically feared by new drivers since there is so much going on at once and quick reactions are sometimes required.
There’s a good probability that your driving test centre’s driving test routes include roundabouts. Taking the most difficult roundabouts in your neighbourhood is a common part of the driving test. Small little roundabouts to large multi-lane roundabouts are all possible.
The precise process for taking roundabouts, as well as recommendations and safety advice, are provided in these lessons for both experienced and novice drivers.
How Roundabouts works
Roundabouts are divided into two categories. Roundabouts are preceded with a red triangle warning sign that alerts cars of their presence. They can range in size from a single lane of traffic entering and exiting to multi-lane roundabouts found in densely populated areas.
Approaching traffic must always give-way to traffic already on the roundabout and in the UK, traffic wishing to join a roundabout must give way to traffic already on the roundabout approaching from the right. A learner driver is likely to encounter larger multi-lane roundabouts and mini roundabouts during a driving test if available within the test centre location.
Mini-Roundabouts
Small mini-roundabouts, which are preceded by a blue circle with right-pointing white arrows, are the other sort of roundabout.
If they are within the driving test centre’s test routes radius, mini-roundabouts are almost certain to be included in the driving test.
In quieter residential neighbourhoods, mini-roundabouts are frequently used to replace T-junctions. A tiny roundabout serves two purposes: it connects two or more intersections and it acts as a traffic calming device. Because of their small size, mini-roundabouts can be difficult to determine who has priority, especially for rookie drivers.
Rules for Mini-Roundabouts
Turning Left
Look in the inside mirror first, then the left mirror, and then indicate to the left. Just before going left, because it’s likely to be a residential area. Check the left mirror for bicycles once more.
Going Straight
Mini roundabouts are intersections, and as such, they can be dangerous. On your way to a little roundabout, the examiner will expect you to inspect your interior mirror. After the first exit, unlike major roundabouts, there is no requirement to indicate left.
Turning Right
Check the interior mirror, followed by the right wing mirror and indicate to the right. There is no need to indicate to the left just after the 2nd exit as you would on normal roundabouts.