Roundabout practice for the driving test
Almost every UK driving test has roundabouts in it, and the faults they produce are the dull ones: the wrong lane, a late signal, a gap taken too early or waited out too long. All of it is fixed the same way, by meeting the same roundabout enough times that the answer arrives before the thinking does.
Lanes and signals, exit by exit
First exit (left)
Signal left on approach, approach in the left-hand lane and keep left on the roundabout. Highway Code rule 186.
Straight ahead
No signal on approach. Use the lane the markings show, usually the left, and signal left once you pass the exit before yours.
Right or full circle
Signal right and use the right-hand lane on approach, keep right on the roundabout, then signal left after the exit before yours.
Give way to the right
Unless signs or markings say otherwise, give priority to traffic coming from your right, and keep moving if the way is clear (rule 185).
Mini-roundabouts
Same rules, less time. Pass round the central marking, not over it, and watch for drivers making U-turns (rule 188).
Double minis
Treat each one as a separate roundabout and give way to the right at each (rule 189).
On the marking sheet roundabout faults usually land under Junctions – observation, Mirrors – change direction, Signals or Progress – undue hesitation. Going too early and waiting too long are both faults.
Practise each type of roundabout
Test centres with the most roundabouts on our routes
- Swindon19.6 / route
- Irvine13.6 / route
- Norwich13.6 / route
- Paisley13.6 / route
- Aylesbury13 / route
- Reading11.8 / route
- Derby11.2 / route
- Burton on Trent10.8 / route
- Grangemouth10.4 / route
- Ipswich10.4 / route
Average roundabouts per practice route, centres with at least 3 routes. Our routes are generated from the roads around each centre; DVSA does not publish its own.
Roundabout-heavy cities
Roundabout questions
How do I practise roundabouts for my driving test?
Drive the same roundabouts repeatedly until the lane, signal and gap decision comes without thinking, then drive the roads around the centre you booked. Sitting in the passenger seat on those roads helps too: you learn where the lanes split before you have to choose one.
Can you fail your driving test for waiting too long at a roundabout?
Yes. Not going when it was safe to go is marked under Progress – undue hesitation. A single short hesitation is usually a minor fault; holding up traffic when a clear gap was there can be a serious one.
Which lane do I use for the third exit?
If the third exit is past 12 o'clock, treat it as turning right: right-hand lane and right signal on approach, signal left after the second exit. Lane markings and signs always take priority over this rule of thumb.
Do I signal at a mini-roundabout?
Yes, the same as at a large roundabout: left for the first exit, right for exits to the right. There is less space, so signal early and check your mirrors before you do.