Q&A for How to Navigate a Roundabout

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  • Question
    Which way do roundabouts go in the UK?
    Bruce Storrs
    Bruce Storrs
    Driving Instructor
    Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University.
    Bruce Storrs
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    If you're driving a car in England, the steering wheel is probably going to be on the opposite side of the vehicle when compared to cars in the US. So you would have to be really sharp, because everything is turned around. That's a huge concern. So when you go to make your turns just out of a habit, be mindful to not turn into the lane of oncoming traffic.
  • Question
    If I am on the inside lane because I planned to turn left, but there is a rule to not ever change lanes, how do I get into the right lane to exit?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That instruction (no lane changes) is misleading. You should cautiously merge, as required, to only exit in an authorized lane.
  • Question
    Do I have to signal before entering or exiting the roundabout?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In most countries, you have to signal right (left in countries that drive on the left) when exiting the roundabout. It is also recommended to signal when you are entering the roundabout, however, it is not required. When signalling to enter in a normal roundabout, you should signal right if you are going to the first exit, left if you are going to the third exit, and nothing if you are going straight ahead.
  • Question
    What gear should I use on a roundabout?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In a normal roundabout, 2nd gear is the best choice. If it's a very big, multi-lane roundabout, you can also use 3rd gear.
  • Question
    Does a line of traffic have the right of way or should it yield?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The cars in the roundabout have the right of way. If the line of cars are approaching the roundabout, they would yield to any cars already in the roundabout.
  • Question
    What would happen if I just drove in a circle in the roundabout for a long time without exiting?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I've had to do this in France, when the exit signs to cities didn't match the one I was heading to, and my navigator had to check the map to see which road was correct. It works, especially in a multi-lane roundabout, though other drivers may become a bit impatient with you. Also, I don't see this stated anywhere, but if I'm staying left, especially when the main road exits right, I use my left signal to indicate to drivers wanting to enter the roundabout that I'm NOT exiting. I do signal right when exiting if there's incoming traffic, because it's often the law and as a courtesy, though I rarely see other drivers do this.
  • Question
    How do I get out of the inner lane when approaching a roundabout if I am not allowed to change lanes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You are allowed to change lanes, provided you check your mirror and blind spot.
  • Question
    How do I enter a roundabout?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go slowly and yield to those already in the roundabout.
  • Question
    If there is a car approaching the side street on the right, is it correct to stop and give that car right of way?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Traffic within the roundabout always has the right of way, so a driver wanting to enter the round about must yield and merge only once traffic has passed.
  • Question
    How do I merge on a roundabout?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Just go slow, use your turn signals, and remember that cars already in the roundabout have the right of way.
  • Question
    If I am approaching a roundabout with multiple lanes and I enter from the left lane and intend to exit at the 3rd exit (essentially making a left turn), how do I exit without making a lane change?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You don't actually change lanes, you do however cross the outside lane, and you must yield if there is a car in the outside lane who is not exiting at the same exit you are. If you can't safely exit, just circle around and try again.
  • Question
    If I am entering a multi-lane round-about and plan to exit at the third exit (essentially making a left turn) once I have entered, then how do I make my exit if I need to cross the right lane?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Signal in the intended direction of turning and if that doesn't work, you may have to continue around the roundabout again and keep cutting across the lanes until you're in the lane for turning off with ease.
  • Question
    How do I know who has the right of way in a roundabout?
    Adam C.
    Adam C.
    Community Answer
    Drivers already in the roundabout have the right of way. If you are the one in the roundabout, you should always leave a gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
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