SuperDriver Learning Centre - Roundabouts
ROUNDABOUTS
Roundabouts help to keep the traffic flowing, sometimes it doesnt feel like that though does it. So many drivers will do anything to avoid them.
They are not as complicated as you think. Experience will help you judge speed of cars that you have to give way to.
Approaching a roundabout is like approaching any other junction. You use your, Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look routine. You decide your approach gear by deciding if you think you can or not. You give way to vehicles from your right. If you can't get on the roundabout, decide first gear. If you think you can then you must choose the right gear for the speed. 2nd is a good gear on approach if you think you will be able to get straight on it. 2nd can have a speed range of 10 to 20 mph.
In an automatic decide your speed dependant on if you can get straight on the roundabout or not.
When you have passed the exit before the one you want, you will need to use your Mirror (interior, left, glance left), Signal (left), Manoeuvre routine.
ROUNDABOUT SIGNS
On approach, you may see a sign. On each of these signs there are 3 exits.
Left - 1st exit
Straight on - 2nd exit
Right - 3rd exit
BASIC SINGLE LANE ENTRY ROUNDABOUTS
As you can see in the images below the approach position for left and straight on is the same, it is to the left. The approach position for right turns is to the right. When approaching the roundabout, glance right, do not stare!
Left Turn - 1st Exit
Straight on - 2nd Exit
Right Turn - 3rd Exit
MULTI - LANE ROUNDABOUTS
As you can see in the images below there are two lanes to go straight on and two lanes to turn right. If this is the case you must use the left of the 2 lanes unless you are overtaking, or turning right after the roundabout.
Be careful with lanes, if you find that you are in the wrong one, go the way of the lane you are in unless it is safe to change.
Left Turn - 1st Exit
Straight on - 2nd Exit
Right Turn - 3rd Exit
Right Turn - 3rd Exit - with lane split (spiral)
4 TRICKY ROUNDABOUTS STARTING AT COISLEY HILL (HANDSWORTH)
T1 - Right Turn - 3rd Exit
T3 - Right Turn - 1st Exit
T2 - Straight on - 2nd Exit
T4 - Right Turn - 3rd Exit
ANOTHER 2 TRICKY ROUNDABOUTS IN THE HANDSWORTH AREA
Right Turn - 3rd Exit - Parkway to Prince of Wales Road
Right Turn - 3rd Exit - Catcliffe
