Roundabouts

Question 1

Balls Corner roundabout

Answer 1

When going ahead we use the middle lane.

When going ahead keep left of the red markings, when turning right keep right of the red marking.

As always check mirrors and signal to exit.

Question 2

Hazards at roundabouts

Answer 2

Pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road.

Crossings are often found near roundabout junctions. Remember if the crossing is light controlled this is for the crossing and you may still have to give way before moving on to the roundabout.

Cyclists and horse riders who will often keep to the outside of the roundabout even if they are intending to turn right. Always allow extra room

Motorcyclists and cyclists who can be difficult to see on roundabouts

Long vehicles due to their length may need to straddle two lanes as they move around a roundabout. Watch out for their signals and leave additional room

Other vehicles in the wrong lane which could be crossing your path on a roundabout

The road surface which can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Avoid harsh braking or accelerating

Question 3

What is the routine used for roundabouts?

Answer 3

MSPSL

Question 4

Mirrors for roundabouts

Answer 4

Check the correct mirrors for the direction you are going

Assess if actions will affect vehicles behind and you

Question 5

Signal for roundabouts

Answer 5

Signal if we are going left / right

Not too early / late

Question 6

Position for roundabouts

Answer 6

Look well ahead at the layout of the road and choose the correct lane for the direction you are going

You can look at the roundabout and if your exit is before 12 then it is normally the left lane on approach and if it is after 12 it is usually the right lane, but road signs and markings may override this rule

Choose correct position in good time - good signal to others

Question 7

Speed for roundabouts

Answer 7

Reduce speed early = easier to see if clear

Speed depends on what you can see

Use open / closed junction rules to determine what speed and gear you need

Question 8

Look for roundabouts

Answer 8

Is it safe?

Give way to the right - work out where others are going

Exiting before you?

Blockers?

Look for other traffic and hazards, assess the situation, decide whether to go / wait, act on your decision

Question 9

What is a blocker?

Answer 9

Someone who blocks the traffic on the right from moving, but they also exit before getting to us which creates a gap for us to proceed

Try not to hesitate - once seen blocker = go

Question 10

What should you do once on the roundabout?

Answer 10

Keep good lane discipline

Question 11

What do you conduct when you leave the roundabout?

Answer 11

An exit routine

Question 12

What does an exit routine consist of?

Answer 12

• Check the middle and left mirror
• Signal as we pass the exit before the one we are taking

Question 13

Penn Inn NA-TQ

Answer 13

Lane 2 before TC

Lane 2 after TC

Lane 3/4 on approach

Follow past first exit (lanes 3/4) - becomes lane 1/2

Check mirrors at all points

Check enough space for you on other side of roundabout (not in box junction)

Question 14

Penn Inn NA-Milber

Answer 14

Lane 2 before TC

Lane 2 after TC

Lane 3 up to roundabout lights

Lane 2 as over roundabout and lane splits (check left mirror)

Keep in lane 2 as exit roundabout

Turn right (steep hill start)

Check mirrors at all points

Question 15

Penn Inn NA-Buckland/Combeinteignhead

Answer 15

Lane 1 before TC

Lane 1 after TC

Lane 2 up to roundabout lights

As pass first exit, lose lane 1 to Exeter - now become lane 1

Left lane until exit roundabout - lane splits - 1 for Buckland, 2 for Combeinteignhead (big pot hole)

Question 16

Penn Inn Milber-NA

Answer 16

Lane 1/2 (2 for TC)

Hug centre line on left

Watch out for traffic lights under bridge

Stay in lane 2 past first exit

Right hand lane as exit

Lane splits: left = town, right = TC

Question 17

Penn Inn TQ-NA

Answer 17

Lane 1 on dual carriageway

Lane 2 as road splits

Lane 2 as road splits again (centre)

Signal left

Lane 2 once off roundabout

Question 18

Penn Inn Exeter-NA

Answer 18

Lane 2 as head down hill

Lane splits: lane 2 = sainsbury’s/Totnes, lane 3 = TC/town

TC: right lane whole way round - hug centre line

Watch out for lights under bridge

Lane 2 on exit if going to TC

Question 19

Penn Inn Milber-Exeter

Answer 19

Lane 2 on approach

Lane 2 after first exit

Lane 1 as pass 2nd exit (keep right as lane splits towards NA)

Lane 1 as exit

Question 20

Penn Inn TQ-Totnes

Answer 20

Lane 1 on dual carriageway

Lane 1 on slip road

Lane 1 as splits

Keep left as turn off

Question 21

Roundabouts: turn left and take the first exit

Answer 21

Check your middle and left mirrors

Signal left

Position your car in the left lane

Slow down to a speed you can both, control the car and gives you enough time to make a decision. Select a gear that matches your speed.

Look for a safe gap to enter the roundabout, don’t forget to keep checking ahead to keep your car positioned in the correct place.

Question 22

Roundabouts: follow the road ahead and take the second exit

Answer 22

Check your mirrors

No signal

Position your car in the left lane

Slow down to a speed you can both, control the car and gives you enough time to make a decision. Select a gear that matches your speed.

Look for a safe gap to enter the roundabout, don’t forget to keep checking ahead to keep your car positioned in the correct place.

Keep left on the roundabout, leaving room for a car on your right.

After passing the last exit before leaving the roundabout, you will need to check your mirrors and signal left to exit the roundabout. (Marked with a yellow line.)

Question 23

Roundabouts: Turn right and take the third exit

Answer 23

Check your middle and right mirrors

Signal right

Position your car in the right lane

Slow down to a speed you can both, control the car and gives you enough time to make a decision. Select a gear that matches your speed.

Look for a safe gap to enter the roundabout, don’t forget to keep checking ahead to keep your car positioned in the correct place.

Keep right on the roundabout, leaving room for a car on your left.

After passing the last exit before leaving the roundabout, you will need to check your mirrors and signal left to exit the roundabout. (Marked with a yellow line.)

Question 24

Priorities on roundabouts

Answer 24

Give way to traffic already on the roundabout or approaching for the right.

Only go when you feel that’s it’s safe and that you wouldn’t cause anyone to slow down.

Start assessing the traffic as early as possible as this will give you the best chance to find a gap on the approach.

Look out for blockers to help you into the roundabout. (See the video for more information.)

Question 25

Types of roundabouts

Answer 25

Mini

Spiral

Double mini

Question 26

Mini roundabouts

Answer 26

Mini roundabouts follow the same rules as other roundabouts.

You don’t need to signal as you exit. This is because nobody will benefit from the signal as you will already be leaving.

You must make sure you go around the central markings

Question 27

Spiral roundabouts

Answer 27

Spiral roundabouts are slightly different from normal roundabouts in that you will have a lane that spirals outwards as you go past exits.

Use signposts and road markings to guide you and beware of other driver in other lanes.

Question 28

Double-mini roundabouts

Answer 28

These are two mini-roundabouts next to each other. They follow the same rules as other roundabouts, you must give way at both roundabouts. You may need to consider your signals as they could be mis-leading