How to Do Roundabouts: Lanes, Signals & Tips (2026)

Learner guide

How to do roundabouts: lanes, signals & tips

Roundabouts are one of the biggest sources of confusion (and test faults) for learners — but the rules are simpler than they look. Here’s exactly which lane to use, when to signal, and how to get round smoothly and safely.

Rightgive way to traffic from
MSMon approach & exit
Left1st exit · left lane
Rightlast exit · right lane

The roundabout basics

On approach, use Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre and get in the right lane and speed early. Give way to traffic coming from your right, and only go when there’s a safe gap — don’t creep out. Keep left on the roundabout unless road markings or your exit say otherwise, and always check your mirror and blind spot before you leave.
Lanes & signalsMini-roundaboutsMulti-laneCommon mistakesFAQs

Which lane and when to signal

These are the defaults for a standard roundabout — but road markings and signs always override them, so follow the arrows painted on the road.

1st exit
Turning left
Approach in the left lane, signal left on approach, stay in the left lane and keep signalling left until you’ve exited.
Straight on
Going straight ahead
Usually the left lane (unless markings say otherwise). No signal on approach — then signal left as you pass the exit just before yours.
Tip: “straight on” is the one people forget to signal for — signal left as you approach your exit.
Last exit
Turning right / full way round
Approach in the right lane, signal right on approach, stay right around the roundabout, then switch to a left signal after you pass the exit before yours.
Always
Follow the road markings
Painted arrows and lane signs override the defaults. Read them on approach and get into the correct lane early — don’t change lanes at the last second.

Mini-roundabouts

Treat a mini-roundabout like a normal one: give way to the right and go round it (don’t drive straight over the middle). There’s far less room and everything happens faster, so approach slowly, signal clearly, and watch for drivers who forget to give way.

Multi-lane roundabouts

Choose your lane early using the signs and road markings, and hold your lane all the way round — don’t drift or cut across. Check your mirror and blind spot before moving to the left lane to exit, and watch out for other drivers cutting across your path. Big, busy roundabouts are all about lane discipline and looking ahead.

Common roundabout mistakes to avoid

Wrong lane — not reading the markings early enough.

No or late signal — especially forgetting to signal left to exit.

Hesitating too long — stopping when there’s a clear, safe gap frustrates traffic and can cause a fault.

Cutting across lanes — drifting from the right lane straight to an early exit.

Not checking before exiting — always mirror and blind-spot check before you leave.

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Roundabout FAQs

Which lane do I use to go straight on at a roundabout?

Usually the left lane, unless road markings say otherwise. Don’t signal on approach — signal left as you pass the exit before the one you want.

Do I signal when going straight ahead at a roundabout?

Not on approach. You signal left only as you approach your exit, to let others know you’re leaving.

Who has priority at a roundabout?

You give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right. Only pull out when there’s a safe gap.

What do I do if I miss my exit?

Don’t swerve or brake sharply — just continue around the roundabout and take your exit the next time round. It’s much safer than a last-second lane change.

Based on the Highway Code rules on roundabouts. Always follow current road markings, signs and the latest Highway Code on GOV.UK. This guide is independent and not affiliated with the DVSA.