How to Drive Through Roundabouts :: Driving Lesson to Pass A Road Test

Introduction 0:03
World Roundabouts 2:19
North America & Roundabouts 3:53
Approaching Roundabouts & Signalling 4:37
Roundabout Signs 6:15
Truck Aprons 7:11
Mini-Roundabouts 8:00
Signalling 8:34
Multi-Lane Roundabouts 12:02
In-Vehicle (Right, Straight, Left & U-Turns) - 14:10
Conclusion 18:21
Question - Do you have any tips for new drivers learning to navigate roundabouts? 22:56
Salutations 23:13
Blooper 23:46

Are you taking a road test in a car, bus, or big truck?

In Australia, China, the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Europe and the UK (United Kingdom) roundabouts are commonplace. However, in North America, roundabouts are only beginning to make an appearance on the driving landscape. Consequently, new & veteran drivers alike have difficulty negotiating these new roadway structures.

Probably the biggest challenge for the uninitiated driver is that at roundabouts you have to be prepared to both stop and go…more or less at the same time. Thus, the key to successfully navigating roundabouts is to scan and observe well in advance. And as you’re approaching the roundabout and scanning, “cover the brake”, that way if a vehicle barges into the roundabout, you’ve cut down your reaction time and can bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

Roundabouts have several advantages:

1) Roundabouts have fewer points of conflict; therefore there are fewer crashes than at conventional intersections
2) These move higher number of vehicles through an intersection
3) Because vehicles are not stopping, these reduce urban noise.

When negotiating roundabouts, locate the roundabout as far down the road as possible. Slow to the recommended speed. Take note of the direction in the roundabout, which is indicated by signs and arrows. If driving on the right, the direction is counter-clockwise; if on the left, the direction is clockwise. Take note of any signage or road markings that direct traffic through the roundabout.

Importantly, have a plan before you begin driving and know where you want to travel. With good planning, you're going to be able to successfully navigate the roundabout because you know where you're going and which direction you want to travel in the roundabout.

When navigating the roundabout, cut the circle in half. For those driving on the right side of the road, everything on the right side of the roundabout will be either a right turn, or a straight through. Everything on the left side of the half-circle will either be a left turn or a 'U' turn.

When signalling at a roundabout, it is the same as you would signal at a conventional intersection. If you are going to turn right, signal right as you approach the roundabout. If you are going to turn left or make a 'U' turn, signal left as you are approaching the roundabout. If you are proceeding straight through, you don't have to signal.

When exiting the roundabout, signal right "if practicable". "If practicable" means if you can do it signal right just prior to exiting the roundabout.

If an emergency vehicle appears when you’re in the roundabout, do NOT stop in the roundabout. Exit the roundabout at the earliest possible exit and stop there. With this technique you are not going to block the path of the emergency vehicle.

Good luck on your road test!
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Arc de Triomphe Roundabout

EuropeanT/L Spherical hedges in central island of roundabout, Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai, China

The busy Clock Tower Roundabout illuminated at night, Dubai, Middle East, UAE, T/Lapse

Aquaduct Traffic Circle 5

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[mercyseed]

I passed my road test . Thanks to your videos. God bless you

[stevenjones]

After 40 years of driving, Im still learning things from you that make me safer as I age. Old dog, new tricks.

[margieura]

I"m 71 and just passed my behind the wheel test because of your videos. I actually did have a roundabout on the examination and did fine. Many thanks! Your videos gave me more confidence. Initially, I was a bit nervous because the last time I had a behind the wheel, I was 19 years old. Thinking about all your tips while driving really helped and still does after my exam. My test mistakes were for driving too slow (I was very careful not to go over the posted speed limits, but perhaps I was too cautious) and for turning off my signal too soon after completing a lane change. The examiner said I should have kept the signal on longer after making a lane change. Nevertheless, I passed the first time and am very grateful I found your videos!!! Because I am just getting Glaucoma and Cataracts, I will be taking the California behind the wheel test every 2 years from now on. You can be sure, I'll continue to use your great resource as a mature driver. With much appreciation, Margie U.

[krissykat]

I totally pulled a Griswald's move at a roundabout on my last road test. I was such a nervous wreck rather than making a left turn as instructed, I just drove right around...talk about humiliating! Thx for this!!! ☺

[AndrewCooke-eukl]

I’m from the Uk, my biggest gripe on roundabouts is people here in Canada just drive on and drive off the roundabout no signalling ! It makes it much easier if people would signal. Because if you’re coming on and they are going to turn on to road you’re just coming out of you maybe could have carried on if you new what their intentions were.

[hiilikeyourbeard]

Hands down best video on this. God bless brother. New driver here. <3

[Bendigo]

One topic i did not see in this video is driving next to trucks or longer than average vehicles, You never want to drive next to them when approaching or in the roundabout, they usually need most of the space in the roundabout to make a turn, and if they are turing right they may need part of the left lane to make the right turn.
Other than that very informative. Great tutorial.

[gracemayone]

After watching your video, i now understand how to enter and signal in roundabouts. Hopefully I will be more confident on my next driving class especially on driving in roundabouts. Thanks you so much Mr Rick!

[its.lilacccc]

I am currently in a driving school in Bahrain and this video is helping me a lot to understand roundabouts. Thank you Sir!

[rocketrider]

Needed to refresh my memory on roundabouts ! thanks !

[emperadorzar]

your videos are the best on Youtube, you are very dynamic and clear to explain everything we need to know, and you show us multiple examples . Thank you so much

[its.lilacccc]

Last week I commented that I understood the round about concept after watching this and was in school. Today I got my driving licence, Thank you!!! It was a great help it was indeed in my driving test!!! I'm sure there will be more students who will learn from this. keep it up Sir! Regards from Bahrain.

[michellematekenya]

Thank you so much i got my licence from VID ZIMBABWE thanks for the the whole mirror signal shoulder check guide. The examiner had no comments all he says was come get your licence.

[elliebongerz]

The best roundabout tutorial! Thanks Rick! You're my hero!!!

[ksh-unzw]

Hello from Kelowna!
As a result of watching your videos repeatedly, I passed my N test on the first attempt! I would like to thank you for posting these videos.
May Jesus bless you!!

[craigtate]

Excellent explanation, I just ran into some 2 lane versions in carmel IN. Needless to say I was a bit confused, I think this video will help huge. Thanks

[electric-lemonade]

Thank you so much for this, super helpful Rick !

[patsyden]

Here in sudbury ontario canada, we have multiple multi lane roundabouts. As well as Ottawa ontario Canada. Thank you for sharing your information. Much appreciated.

[mountainmama]

They have a multilane roundabout in Idaho Falls, Idaho that always gives me trouble. After watching your video and explanation I feel more confident about using this roundabout safely.

[clintkelley]

Great video! I show it to my drivers ed class every semester!! Thanks Rick