Who has priority at a roundabout?

Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right, has priority — unless markings or signals say otherwise. You enter when there is a safe gap.

Which lane should I use on a roundabout?

As a rough guide, the left lane for the first exit or going straight ahead, and the right lane for turning right or taking a later exit. Treat this as a general guide only — road signs and lane markings always decide, so follow them wherever they differ.

When do I signal on a roundabout?

Signal on approach in the direction you are turning (none for straight ahead), then signal left as you pass the exit just before the one you want.

Why do I keep stalling or hesitating at roundabouts?

Usually it is approaching too fast to read the traffic, then stopping abruptly. Slowing earlier gives you time to spot a gap and keep rolling. Practice with an instructor builds the judgement.

How to Approach Roundabouts | MMS Driving School

How to Approach Roundabouts

Roundabouts unsettle more learner drivers than almost any other feature, but the method is consistent every time: approach at a speed that lets you read the traffic, choose the correct lane, give way to traffic already on the roundabout, then signal to leave at your exit. This guide walks through the approach, lane discipline, signalling, and the types you'll meet around Coventry.

What's the rule for roundabouts? Give way to traffic coming from your right that is already on the roundabout, unless road markings or signals tell you otherwise. Enter when there's a safe gap, keep to your lane, and signal left as you pass the exit before yours.

The basic routine

Use the mirrors-signal-position-speed-look routine on the approach: check your mirrors, signal if you're turning, get into the right lane in good time, slow to a speed where you can stop if needed, and look right for a gap. Giving way to the right is the core rule - you only go when traffic already on the roundabout allows it. Keep moving when it's safe, rather than stopping at a clear roundabout, but never force your way in.

Lane choice and signalling

As a general guide: to turn left (first exit), approach in the left lane, signal left, and stay left. To go straight ahead, approach in the left lane (unless signs or markings indicate otherwise) with no signal on entry, then signal left after you pass the exit before yours. To turn right or take a later exit, approach in the right lane, signal right, keep right around the roundabout, then switch to a left signal as you come up to your exit. Always follow any road markings and lane arrows, which override the general rule.

Types of roundabout

You'll meet several kinds. Mini roundabouts are painted circles where you still give way to the right but have little room to manoeuvre. Normal roundabouts have a raised island and one or more lanes. Multi-lane roundabouts need careful lane discipline and early signalling. Spiral roundabouts, which use lane markings to guide you outward to your exit, appear at some larger junctions. Coventry's ring road and its larger island junctions give plenty of chances to practise the busier types.

Common mistakes

The faults examiners see most are being in the wrong lane on approach, signalling too late (or not at all) when leaving, hesitating at a clear roundabout, and cutting across lanes. Most come down to reading the roundabout too late, which is why approach speed and early observation matter so much. Practising this on real Coventry roads with an instructor during driving lessons is the fastest way to build the judgement.