Choosing Lanes at Roundabouts - Part 1

Which lane should I choose at the roundabout?

It's a common cause of confusion amongst learner drivers (and some experienced ones!), and getting it wrong causes confusion to other drivers, can be unsafe and is a common reason for failing the UK driving test!

But it's actually very simple if you follow a few simple rules!

In this video I explain how to choose the correct lane on the approach to a variety of roundabouts, including those with and without lane markings on the approach.

I don't mention mirrors, signals or judging gaps because this is not a video about the MSM procedure at roundabouts - there are plenty of those already - this video is focused purely on how to choose which lane to be in before you get to the roundabout.

This is part 1 - in part 2 I will deal with choosing lanes for double roundabouts (2 roundabouts very close together) and also help you to learn to anticipate whether a roundabout is likely to have road markings telling you to choose a different lane than normal.

In Part 3 I will deal with choosing lanes for MULTI-LANE roundabouts (3 lanes or more)

[godisgood]

These videos are so good. I've had driving instructors before who take their instructions for granted without explaining them. I only learned about road width from signs from online videos and the road ahead being on the same route because it matches the width of the current road, etc. Never assume your students know what you're talking about because the highway code doesn't cover a lot of what you need.

[ketchup]

Uncluttered, unfancy, clean, clear advice. I bet your house is really tidy and organised lol.
Many thanks!!!
👍

[conniejl]

Thank you!! Had to watch so many videos til I found one that explained which lane to take on exits that are past 12 o'clock but aren't the last exit. Amazing

[Darrenedney]

First video I've found telling me about the last exit right lane. Makes so much more sense now thank you

[vivienm]

My godness, this is the best video on explaining everything clearly about how these roundabouts works, and I finally - I think - got it. Simple, very clear, no extra useless information on anythings else. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[alejandramccombe]

these are the BEST VIDEOS EVER. Honestly, this is what I needed to really understand the rules for roundabout. MANY MANY THANKS!

[bvseediermedia]

Great video. Anyone who navigates by that “any exit after 12 o’clock = Use the right hand lane” is just a dangerous liability.

[red]

Thanks useful. 4:30 The skinny stubs are also exits, would be helpful to point it out for noobs who have only tackled one or two roundabouts.

[petepsy]

Thanks that's really useful, I have returned to driving after a tweny plus year break and a few lessons.

[namu]

This video is so helpful, you have answered all my query on the roundabout, thank you so much.

[theoldguide]

The only one who let me understand the crazy roundabout rules 👌😅

[jameschesterton]

Very nice and clear. The only thing I would question would be moving over to one side of the carriageway when when it doesn't split into two or more lanes. In this instance you tend to invite people to create a lane and pull up alongside you, which is technically overtaking at a junction and an illegal maneuver. In the worst case they could even enter the roundabout and take the same exit as yourself creating a very tricky and potentially dangerous situation.

[thomasbuxton]

What do you define as “turning right?” I was told that anything after 12’onclock on the sign is defined as turning right. In that case, the sign at 4:15 would be considered as turning right, which you haven’t defined as such. So does turning right mean the exit on the sign needs to be a full 180 degrees horizontal line ?

You mentioned afterward it’s not defined as right turn because we’re not leaving the road we’re on, but how do we know that before even entering the roundabout?

[shiningdiva_]

I got the driving test next week and i was need to watch this video. Thank you, very good video.

[sind]

This series of videos might have increase my chances is passing the test. Thank you!!!

[Tommy_]

Good video.
However, you may want to clarify some of the information.
DES and HWC tell is that unless road markings/signs tell you otherwise, when turning left, use the left lane. When turning right, use the right hand lane.
And when taking an intermediate exit, use the most appropriate lane.

So using the left lane to follow the road a head, isn't always correct.

[tomx]

great job here mate, very helpful! Would you consider making a video covering a few more roundabouts and multilane rb? Makin video as a little test for us to decide which lane to take is fun and a good way of learning more about choosing the lane, thanks!

[MhurmanThurman]

Great explanation. Best so far on YouTube. Just to clarify - what exactly you mean by "turning right"? Sometimes u need to turn far right to go ahead....thx

[jodiejodie]

This is brilliant you made is very easy to understand

[mandimandal]

I got some different useful information, easy to understand and apply. Thank you very much🙏👍