Checked against DVSA guidance on GOV.UK in October 2026.
On the approach
Good roundabout driving starts well before the give way line. Highway Code rule 184 says that as you approach you should:
- use mirrors, signal, manoeuvre at every stage
- decide as early as possible which exit you need
- give the right signal, timed so it doesn't confuse anyone
- get into the correct lane, following signs and lane markings
- adjust your speed and position to fit in with the traffic
Unless you're driving independently, the examiner tells you which way to go and often adds the exit number to help you plan. The DVSA's test wordings include "At the roundabout follow the road ahead (it is the second exit)" and "At the roundabout turn right please (it is the third exit)".
Read the advance direction sign before the roundabout. It shows the layout and which exit leads where, so you can count exits and choose your lane early instead of at the last moment.
Giving way and joining
When you reach the roundabout, rule 185 says to give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs, road markings or traffic lights tell you otherwise. Watch for vehicles already on the roundabout, remembering they may not be signalling correctly or at all, and look forward before you move off to make sure the car in front has actually gone.
Judging the gap is where many faults happen. The DVSA's top 10 reasons for failing include entering a roundabout when a vehicle is approaching from the right, so that it has to slow down. That's marked as a junction observation fault.
Waiting too long is marked too. Examiners record undue hesitation when you don't emerge when it's safe, so join as soon as there's a safe gap.
Lanes and signals for each exit
Rule 186 sets out the normal pattern. Always follow signs and road markings where they say something different.
Turning left (the first exit)
- Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane.
- Keep to the left on the roundabout and keep signalling left to leave.
Going ahead (an intermediate exit)
- Choose the right lane on the approach. You shouldn't normally need to signal.
- Stay in that lane until you need to change course to leave.
- Signal left after you pass the exit before the one you want.
Turning right or going full circle
- Signal right and approach in the right-hand lane.
- Keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to leave.
- Signal left after you pass the exit before the one you want.
Leaving the roundabout
The exit is where mirror faults pile up. The DVSA's top 10 list includes moving from the right-hand lane to the left-hand lane to leave a large roundabout without any mirror checks, and leaving a roundabout and cutting across a closely following vehicle on the left. Check your mirrors, especially the left door mirror, before you change lanes and again before you exit. Our guide to mirrors and signals covers the routine.
If you realise you're in the wrong lane, don't cut across. Carry on safely and take a different exit, or go round again if your lane allows. Going off route isn't a fault in itself; an unsafe lane change is.
Mini-roundabouts and double mini-roundabouts
Approach a mini-roundabout the same way as a normal one. Rule 188 says all vehicles must pass round the central markings, except large vehicles that physically can't. There's less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal, so plan earlier. Avoid U-turns at mini-roundabouts, and watch for others doing them.
At double mini-roundabouts, treat each one separately and give way to traffic from the right, as rule 189 says.
Watch for other road users
- Cyclists. Give priority to cyclists on the roundabout and don't try to overtake them within their lane. Cyclists and horse riders may stay in the left-hand lane while going round, signalling right to show they aren't leaving.
- Long vehicles may need to straddle lanes or take a different course. Watch their signals and give them room.
- Pedestrians may be crossing the approach and exit roads.
- Vehicles crossing in front of you, especially those leaving by the next exit.
Common roundabout faults
These examples come from the DVSA's top 10 list and its guide to understanding your driving test result:
- using the left-hand lane to turn right when it isn't appropriate, confusing following traffic
- signalling right when you want to go ahead
- entering when a vehicle approaching from the right has to slow down
- changing lanes on the roundabout without checking your mirrors, or with a vehicle directly alongside
Questions
Do you signal when going straight on at a roundabout?
Not normally on the approach. The Highway Code says to choose the right lane for an intermediate exit, stay in it, and signal left after you pass the exit before the one you want.
Who has priority at a roundabout?
Give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs, road markings or traffic lights tell you otherwise. You should also give priority to cyclists already on the roundabout.