“In this lesson, you will learn about taking the road ahead at a roundabout. The key points are:
– Rules for going ahead
– Using the hazard routine when approaching
– Giving way to traffic on the roundabout
– Leaving the roundabout
– Safety checks after the roundabout
Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you will normally use the left lane with no signal. As you approach in some situations, it might be possible or even advisable to use a right hand lane. Always look out for local road signs and markings that might indicate this.
You will signal left to leave the roundabout after you have passed the exit before the one that you want.
When approaching, as with all junctions, use your hazard routine. As soon as you see the roundabout or advance warning sign, check your mirrors and ask yourself what are the drivers behind doing and is it safe to slow down.
Apart from any signal that you might use to change lanes, do not signal on the approach.
While the video shows a car using the left lane, in some situations you can use a right hand lane. If you change lanes on approach, make full use of your mirrors and make sure that other drivers are responding to your lane change signal.
Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing wherever possible, however you must give way to traffic that is already on the roundabout, therefore you must be able to stop safely if neccesary when you arrive at the single broken giveway line.
As you make your final approach to the roundabout, glance to the right to look for a gap in the traffic. You will probably have to glance to the right a few times. Avoid staring to the right.
As well as cehcking to the right, you need to concentrate on where you are going. If you stare to the right as you apporach, you’ll risk ending up in a poor road postiion when you arrive at the giveway line.
You will be using your hazard routine again as you leave the roundabout. Mirrors – Is there anyone behind who will be affected by your intended manoeuvre? Watch out for cyclists who might try to pass on your left, especially in slow moving traffic. Signal – Signal left when you have passed the exit before the one you wish to take. Position – Do not change lanes as you leave the roundabout. This could confuse other drivers.
After leaving the roundabout, make sure that your signal has cancelled, check your mirrors and ask yourself whether it is safe to increase your speed. If it’s safe, gently accelerate up to a safe driving speed to suit the road and traffic conditions and speed limit.”
