American Couple Reacts: How To Drive Roundabouts in The UK! FIRST TIME REACTION! *HELP!*

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

*DO NOT watch this episode if you don't like talking during a REACTION video!* It's time to switch gears, literally. It's time for these 2 Americans to finally look & maybe learn, how to drive on the UK's Roundabouts! (Insert scary music!) Let's be honest, we know how to drive on our smaller American ones but what about those multi-lane LARGE British ones? We have an actual British Driving Instructor here, showing & teaching us how to drive these when we visit the United Kingdom! Either way, one of us is VERY excited about this Episode & the other is VERY much NOT! Buckle up! Thank you SO much for watching! If you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing to our channel, it is the BEST way to support our channel and it's FREE! Also, please click the Like button. Thank you for your support!

[@hesketh1965]

I assume you’re planning a visit to the UK and you’re more than welcome here. I wouldn’t advise hiring a car. Our roads are overcrowded and subject to frequent traffic jams (you can easily spend 2 hours or worse on the M25 just getting in or out of central London). Public transport in the UK is comprehensive so you don’t really need a car. Travel by train is the best option but for cost and comfort reasons you should avoid rush hour times.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

@@fatbloke2285 Thank you so much!!

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

@hesketh1965 Appreciate the advice, we are well aware. While public transport is great, we wouldn't be able to make all the stops that we plan to make & see everything the way we want to. On our time, not scheduled by transport.

[@clivenewman4810]

When are you coming here?

[@jessgunn6639]

Natasha I'm totally on your side! I don't drive specifically because of other drivers! They scary ...... Nutters

[@MrHws5mp]

Remember, this guy is teaching new, inexperienced trainee drivers how to pass a formal driving test, so he's teaching them to rigorously stick to every rule in order to pass and get their licence. In practice, good, experienced drivers deal with roundabouts (and everything else) with a mixture of following the rules, adapting to circumstances, common sense, politeness and general risk awareness. Traffic lights on the approach to a roundabout are generally there to allow pedestrians to cross the road just next to it. Traffic lights _on_ the roundabout are generally there because one of the roads going "through" the roundabout has much more traffic on it than the others (for example the roundabout where replaces the junction of several minor roads with a major road). Normal roundabout give every driver on any road roughly the same opportunity of getting onto it. The traffic lights give drivers on the major road more opportunity to join, this reducing congestion on the busiest road. In practice (NOT in theory), if you get in the wrong lane on a roundabout, you can SOMETIMES change lanes on a roundabout, especially one with traffic lights, by putting your indicator on and waiting for otherd rivers to let you. They might or they might not, depending on the situation, but you have no right to _demand_ it of them: you're asking nicely for a favour because YOU screwed up. if it's not approriate to do that, then you can always go right around the roundabout again and make a second attempt at getting the right exit.

[@JamesLMason]

That's the one thing that can make roundabouts a nightmare. There's a large, light controlled roundabout near me and it should be very straightforward. Unfortunately every other person seems to be in the wrong lane and swerve over at the last second.

[@eddybulk1992]

If he is talking this fast while instructing new learners how to behave and drive i would not be surprised they would get nervous and then fail big time. Greetings from The Netherlands a country with lots of roundabouts too but driving on the same side as the USA

[@markborder906]

@@eddybulk1992 I am going to be driving in the Netherlands for the first time in early October. Thanks for the warning as I’m 71, English and this will be only my 3rd time on the continent: Day trip to Dunkirk in February, and 4 days in Flanders’s in May. Only a few roundabouts in those two but I did get beeped in Dunkirk for waiting for someone already on the roundabout!

[@gmeredith8834]

I disagree, he's just teaching people how to pass their test and not how to drive or be considerate to other road users.

[@johngardiner6800]

The Magic roundabout is on the motorway (interstate) Near Birmingham and is a much different affair and is nothing like the ones in this film. You would need to watch a different film. As to the bags on the road, they were leaves fallen from the trees.

[@hesketh1965]

The maddest roundabout I’ve ever (just about) negotiated was the one around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. I called it the ‘magic roundabout’ because the lane I was in kept disappearing. Some general advice about driving in Europe. In London Traffic Lights are instructions, In Paris they’re suggestions, in Rome they’re Christmas decorations!

[@robbie_]

Yes I got the Rome experience in Lisbon. It was the most terrifying taxi ride ever.

[@johnsimmons5951]

@@beccawoodhouse. Being a pedestrian in Cairo Egypt is an experience, it makes car drivers in Rome look like expert considerate drivers.

[@peterjackson4763]

@@johnsimmons5951 You should see Indian drivers. I once climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe . Watching the traffic was terrifying.

[@terryhunt2659]

I've been to l'Arc de Triomphe, having been dropped near it on a coach trip (in 1999, for the eclipse) and crossed the road to view it in detail. I would _not_ want to drive round it myself: at least, not without a rear gunner!

[@peterjackson4763]

@@terryhunt2659 I once climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Watching the traffic was scary. I went to India earlier this year. The traffic there was just as scary

[@tonycasey3183]

Natasha, if you hire a car in the UK, the drivers side is on the right, so, naturally everything will quickly feel okay - you won't be reversing everything in your head it'll just feel normal. How do I know? When I travel to mainland Europe, I hire a left hand drive car and it takes less than an hours driving to acclimatise to everything being the opposite to normal.

[@DaveBartlett]

That would seem obvious of course, but from the recent news report, it often isn't that cut & dried (see my earlier comment.)

[@carolineskipper6976]

Even using a UK car in Europe with it''s right hand drive, it's amazing how quickly one's brain adapts to being on the other side of the road. But you're right- hiring the right car for the country you are in makes it even easier!

[@Will-nn6ux]

​@@DaveBartlettIt obviously *is* possible to badly screw up driving on the opposite side of the road to what you're used to, but most people don't. You've just got to be one of the ones that don't! There are always people who get unlucky doing anything, that's just life.

[@susantracey4486]

Yes that’s right

[@chrismoule7242]

6:48 - my father's basic law was always: "watch the wheels not the driver. The wheels tell you what the car is going to do."

[@tivvy-xf4kz]

As a motorcyclist that is what I do at intersections if a car is waiting to come out . There is no guarantee the driver has senn you so watch to see if the wheels start moving.

[@milquetoastmotorcyclist9800]

What I did as a biker. In addition, "the indicators flashing just means the bulb is working".

[@MargaretChapman-k1y]

That's also what the instructor is saying. I wasn't told that by mine! I gave up after my first test and now take taxis in my 80s. My sister has just bought a new car at the age of 86 and she loves it! She's a very good driver.

[@tonycasey3183]

Roundabouts are far more intuitive than this video implies. There will be road signs on approach to the roundabout - if it is multiple lanes, get in your lane as soon as possible and stay in lane. Simple. If you have a decent SatNav, it will tell you which lane to be in. Exits from a roundabout are counted from your position. As you approach the roundabout, you are at position zero. the next exit to your left is the first exit, the next one is the second exit, etc. Debbe, if you are on a multiple lane roundabout and you need the last exit, your lane will be marked on the road with a right bend arrow. If it is a smaller roundabout, approach with your vehicle toward the right side of the lane, indicating (signalling) for a right turn. Drive around the roundabout, hugging the centre on your right until you begin to pass the exit prior to yours, then signal left and manoeuvre to the left, checking that some nobhead isn't trying to pass yu on the left, then exit the roundabout.

[@zebo-the-fat]

The video made it look more complex than it really is. The main thing to remember is to give way to traffic already on the roundabout and check you are in the correct lane

[@Mediawatcher2023]

Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout. Remain in your lane or change into the right-hand spiralled lane. Indicate intention to change lanes, give way to vehicles in the lane and only move into another lane when it is safe to do so. Before exiting, use your left indicator and follow the exit lane marking.

[@RichWoods23]

But be aware that approximately half of all drivers don't indicate correctly on roundabouts ( as a pedestrian this annoys the hell out of me, especially now that I can't break into a run as reliably as I used to). The advice to learn to watch the car wheels is good, but there'll still be idiots who make last-second lurches.

[@garywheble4534]

Anything past 12 Oclock you move over to the right lane as you approch

[@WIDGI]

Depending on what you had for breakfast.

[@PedroConejo1939]

Unless it's marked differently. There are roundabouts where there is such a volume of traffic turning right that _both_ lanes can go right. Same with high volumes turning left. Not very common, but definitely a thing.

[@Isleofskye]

Supposing you drive in the early morning? Oh ! I see what you mean....:)

[@timwilson2599]

Not necessarily ​@@WIDGI

[@sashacottier9581]

😂​@@Isleofskye

[@slm60uk]

Another thing to consider is if you're driving a BMW in the UK then it is essential not to use your indicators at any time - it must be the law or something 🤦‍♂🤷‍♂

[@JustCallMeHen]

the same applies for Audi drivers

[@MrStuFew]

I was behind a BMW just today that, get this, WAS using indicators! I. Was. Shocked.

[@mrskgiggles]

@@JustCallMeHenI’ve only just learnt this now I have an Audi. I’m not sure I’m gunna get the hang of not indicating after 22 yrs of doing it by habit 😂

[@JustCallMeHen]

@@mrskgiggles hahahahahahaha

[@debbie8674]

Buckle up!! This was a great video, and we had so much fun seeing actual roads and roundabouts. 😊

[@paladin5163]

In my mind roundabouts are not as efficient as they used to be, because the cars are so much faster than they were and some entrances to the roundabout always seem to have the advantage.

[@gillfox9899]

If you miss your exit then simply go round again. Don't panic

[@debbiepower8780]

Basic rule I was taught when I passed my test 30 yrs ago, was to think of a roundabout like a clock face with 12 at the top, and 6 at the bottom, any junction between 6 and 12 you stay in the left hand lane and and any junction past 12 you stay in the right hand lane and signal as you come up to your junction. Mind you I learnt to drive in Hemel Hempstead which had the original 'Magic Roundabout'. So one big roundabout and about 6 mini roundabout around it. And you treat each mini roundabout as an individual one to work your way round.

[@JLO72]

Me too

[@nigeldewallens1115]

when I hear about the Magic roundabout! I instantly! think of the kids TV programme called just that! 🤪🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nigelclinning2448]

I went to work in Brussels for a year. Company provided me with a car. I’d never driven a left hand drive car nor driven on the right before. It requires a little thought at first but I adapted very quickly.

[@CroftyOriginal]

You just wait until you are here, I go over 7 just to get to work and that is only 3 miles away, they are everywhere! And we love them! The general rule is if you are going 180 degrees (straight on) or less then use the left lane, anything after 180 is right lane unless it states on the road/road signs

[@alisonrandall3039]

This seems more complicated than needed. Basically keep in the left lane if you are going left or straight on and then go into the right lane, if you’re turning right. He’s waffling and he’s making it confusing. Some roundabouts have traffic lights because they are large, and it controls the traffic during peak hours. Honestly, I’ve driven in mainland Europe and it doesn’t take long to get into the swing of driving on the other side of the road. Be brave.

[@paulvamos7319]

Thank you for sharing your reactions! 😂 Natasha, you were really sweating to understand some of those spiral round-a-bouts!! I'm with you on this! I will never drive those! I love Natasha's shirt better than Debbie's, sorry but, my first vehicle was a 78 Nova Hatchback and my grandpa had a 63 split window Corvette! Plus, every time I get in a Ford, something breaks! 😂 This was a great show! You should film the roundabouts near you for your audience abroad! 😊

[@andrewlaw]

Natasha, you cannot avoid roundabouts in the UK, they are absolutely everywhere. Trust me you won't go right on a roundabout for the simple reason you'd drive headlong into oncoming traffic. You will get used to it real quick, I promise you.

[@peterjackson4763]

I did once go the wrong way around a roundabout in France. It was just outside the airport where I had picked up my hire car. There was no traffic around to remind me. I was OK after that.

[@caroljames2688]

Lovely to see the area I took my driving test at over 40 years ago. Some roundabouts have lights on them as over time the volume of traffic has increased so much it needs lights to assist the flow of traffic.

[@LukeCaddyUK]

You need traffic lights on some roundabouts, usually because of the size of them and the amount of exits there are. On busy roundabouts, you may not get chance to pull out without the lights stopping the oncoming cars. The roundabout however still acts as a way for multiple roads to merge into one and allow it to flow. Some roundabouts only have lights on the busier roads entering onto it, temporarily allowing the other cars to enter the roundabout via the other roads/exits. In Bristol, we also have a few “throughabouts” replacing roundabouts, which allows you to go straight on AS WELL as around it.. just to confuse matters but it does work well.

[@louisafernando892]

It all works out in a roundabout way 😂looking forward to this!!

[@KevinMcevoy-nw3kh]

If you want the 1st exit on a roundabout you stay in the left hand lane and indicate left take the 1st exit

[@billydonaldson6483]

If you use a SatNav it will guide you to your exit. Traffic lights are used when you have several busy major roads that meet, this gives everyone a chance to enter and leave the junction. The sign as you approach the roundabout has a gap in the circle, this is not a feature of the actual roundabout but an illustration as to which direction you must circuit the roundabout. The squiggly lines are an indicator of areas where parking is not permitted, approaching a pedestrian crossing for instance as it would obscure the pedestrians waiting to cross the road.

[@johnb7714]

This was shot in Morden, where my grandmother lived, and I do believe he drove past her old house. I now live in Texas and your point about not being taught how to drive around roundabouts is totally valid. Yes, to me, it is second nature as you said. If you plan to drive in England, you will face roundabouts. Unfortunately almost every city/town there has roundabouts. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@carolempeters]

The first time you drive on the "other side" it does feel weird but you quickly get used to it. Remember also the entrances to roundabout tend to be angled so you cant turn onto the roundabout the incorrect way. You'll be fine xx

[@yossal2608]

In the UK, very busy roundabouts have traffic lights because they are so busy it would be very difficult to enter it safely. Some roundabouts have temporary traffic lights, only used at certain times of the day. One of these roundabouts is the main roundabout entering the hospital during the day it has so many visitors and out-patients it wouldn't be impossible to use without them

[@abarratt8869]

Yes, this guy's video is very good. I'm a decades experienced UK driver, but the vibe he has makes me confident that if I watched all of his stuff I'd find something solid and worthwhile to learn.

[@geoff1201]

Traffic lights are occasionally added to roundabouts to let minor roads get access, otherwise the major road may hog the junction. Also, traffic lights are added to roundabouts to give pedestrians a chance to cross.

[@MarkmanOTW]

Lights also appear on busy roundabouts with high traffic volumes, especially in peak rush hour periods. Purpose of these is to prevent build-up of traffic, allowing all roads converging to release their vehicles into the roundabout.

[@johnlidderdale]

I live in Scotland but the most complicated roundabout I am aware of is in Swindon which is to the west of London. That roundabout has a railway viaduct running through the middle of it with two railway arches about a quarter of a mile apart through each of which the road passes. Each side of each arch there is a roundabout so THE roundabout is made up of four smaller roundabouts. Three of the roundabouts have four exits and one has five so seventeen possibilities. On for Debbie i think and Natasha keeping her eyes closed. For many years i have driven and lived both sides of the Atlantic, you will be super ccareful the first day and comfortable after that.

[@derekdelboytrotter8881]

the main rule of roundabouts to remember is unless its sign posted or road marked telling you differently, its always left lane for 1st and 2nd exit and right lane for 3rd and 4th exit

[@izzysmart]

Excellent way to describe them, That and give way/or yield to the right.

[@nuttyrachel]

If you're ever unsure, just take your time and if you miss your turnoff, go round the roundabout again. My friend was nervous about them and i said if you're ever unsure, go behind a lorry as they take roundabouts slowly which gives you enough time to get your bearings.

[@mothmagic1]

Natasha i agree with you. My instructor when i was upgrading to heavy vehicles advised treating everyone else on the road as idiots because 90 percent of the time you'll be wrong. Being in the wrong lane on a roundabout is nearly always due to lack of situational awarenes. That comes from a lack of attention.

[@Varksterable]

90 of the time you'll be _right_ surely?

[@outdoorsy01]

I'm so happy you mentioned the magic roundabout in Swindon. My hometown ❤️

[@annemumby-qt9uo]

If you are in the lane nearest the roundabout, and are nervous or miss your exit - go round again! If you find you're in the wrong lane, it is likely safer to turn off as though it was the exit you wanted, then find somewhere to turn round, and head back to the roundabout

[@bar1066]

Most modern Sat Navs tell you what lane to be in on when approaching a roundabout and driving around to your exit. The road markings also guide you if you are unsure just take it slowly. If you miss your turn the are two options indicate and try and check the traffic behind you (tends to piss people off), or just go around and try again. Never trust a car indicating, alone, look how they have positioned their wheels and where they are looking. When driving in Europe I found it was easy to adapt because I was driving on the opposite side of the road and again the road markings guide you.

[@peterwstacey]

Quick comment on roundabouts that have traffic lights on them - they are either there to regulate traffic flow on super busy ones (e.g motorway junctions), or to allow pedestrians to cross the road at the roundabout (pedestrians who are not also turning left have to cross traffic somehow)

[@LindaYoung-o3l]

Wildest roundabout I've ever seen was around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Madness! As with all driving the key is patience! Always check the passenger wing mirror (on the left) to make sure no on has undertaken you (which they're not supposed to do but ....) and your exit is clear. Spiral roundabouts are common and easier to use. You'll find manual gear change harder than roundabouts I'm sure 🙂

[@danielferguson3784]

Dear Ladies. Here in the UK we have few problems with roundabouts, we have known them all our lives, so driving on them is just normal part of driving. It may seem strange, but many places are removing roundabouts & replacing them with traffic lights, to control vehicle flows more precisely, especially at places where minor roads meet busier routes. One advantage of roundabouts, especially in suburban areas, is that they make traffic slow down, reducing the risks of collisions. Some busy roundabouts need lights as well or there would never be a chance to move as the busiest flow of traffic would not give time for the other cars to enter the roundabout. They also often have pedestrian crossings, or cycle lanes, so these require lights. The thing is to find the correct lane, & follow the arrows on the ground which show which way to go. To go all the way round on a large roundabout, back to where you came from, you stay in the left hand lane (the right in the US) unless arrows make you change. If they do there will also be arrows directing you back into the left lane before your exit. It's a case of finding & following the correct lane for the exit you want, & changing lanes where you have to when it's permitted. Much of the process is watching the traffic & anticipating the movement, & slipping into the stream as an opportunity permits. Just think of it as a situation that is new, as if you are in a different city which you don't know, with odd road layouts. You must be aware of what you are doing & be cautious all the time, but not hesitant, which is how you should drive at all times in every situation in any case. It is something that becomes easier each time, & not as difficult as it might appear, but it seems US driver training is pretty poor if such basic driving awareness is such a problem. Here in the UK we are taught to drive, not just to steer a car. Drive safely Girls.

[@alchristie5112]

You are allowed to change lanes, just indicate and move in the same way as on a straight road. To go all the way around you may have to change lane to keep to the inside then cross lanes again to come out

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Some very busy roundabouts here have had traffic lights added, but most still don't have lights. You know you'll be fine, all you have to do is go the way everyone else is going, and you will get used to it pretty fast. I've seen other US visitors having a bit of a panic about how it will be on the other side of the road, but they actually find it's not as difficult as they imagine, and driving here is more of a co-operative team thing, not an individual thing like in the US. Giving way to others, backing up on country lanes to let others pas, most will either flash their lights or put their hand up in thanks, which also surprises many US visitors!

[@onigvd77]

Here in Australia, you have to indicate so everyone knows where everyone is going, you don’t have to look at the other cars wheels, that’s crazy! If you are changing where you are going in the round about you indicate that and if you are going straight you have to stop indicating or indicate the other way. More often than not, our round abouts are in roads that cross each other (like a plus sign) or have 3 roads meeting each other.

[@alangauld6079]

Roundabouts are pretty easy once you’ve done a few. it’s almost impossible to go the wrong way round one because the entry is curved to the direction you go. The big signs can be hard to red if you are a visitor though. In fact one of the FW bumps I’ve had was approaching a big roundabout in London and a foreign tourist actually stopped his car to read the sign. I was not expecting him to stop there and rear-ended him, oops! Spiral roundabouts bend your brain the first time but after that it is like he says, get the right lane on entry, don’t change lane and it just works. Lights on roundabouts are often only used at busy periods so mostly the roundabout controls flow but in rush-hour say, the main flow would stop the side roads ever getting onto the roundabout so they use lights on the roundabout to ensure everybody gets a turn.

[@Nehemiah_Scudder]

Natasha, cars used to have enough slack in the steering linkages, especially as they got older that you needed to move the steering wheel by even larger amounts than you were showing just to correct driving in a straight line.

[@stuw5910]

The lights help to introduce a controlled pace to traffic particularly when very busy. They are relatively rare on roundabouts.

[@Snoodlehootberry]

Which ever side of the road you drive on left or right the driver is always in the middle of the road. If you keep that front centre in your mind driving either side of the road is not a problem just insure that as the driver you are not curbside, you are centre of the road and everything else clicks into place. In both situations all cars will approach you from the driver side so it does make it much easier to remember the above.

[@eezergoode8588]

14:10 I used to drive for that company. So regarding lorries and roundabouts, sometimes we have to straddle both lanes to stop anything coming alongside because we're simply too big to make the turn from the "correct" lane. Always give a lorry space if it's doing this. It may seem belligerent but it's for everyone else's safety as well.

[@leonardburgess8527]

Traffic lights at a roundabout ususally means a pedestrian crossing. Also on a roundabout sign, the gap at the bottom right hand side indicates which way you have to go around.

[@frankdoyle9066]

Thank you so much ladies. You are so funny!! I needed to laugh tonight, and you provided it!!!

[@barrysteven5964]

This film showed mostly quite big roundabouts in busy places. What it doesn't show are the multiple mini-roundabouts you find all over the place for example in suburbs and housing estates. Where I live there is one basically at every juction where two or more roads meet. They are basically big white circles painted on the road. At each one you approach them aware that you must give way to 1) traffic already on the roundabout 2) traffic approaching from your right (remember we drive on the left so that would be like you always having to give way to vehicles approaching from your left). This includes cars coming towards you but indicating that they are making a turn that will cut across your path effectively meaning they are coming from your right. They can be a bit annoying but they have a couple of advantages over traffic lights or over just T-junctions. One is that all traffic is forced (in theory) to slow down. You don't get people seeing a green light and either not slowing down or even putting their foot down to get through before it goes red. You don't get the queues you used to because traffic on the bigger roads at times will have to slow and give way to cars coming out of smaller roads so it keeps the traffic flowing out of them instead of getting clogged up. Finally, I personally think it is psychologically a good thing that it is inbuilt to the traffic system that you have to actually pause, think and make a decision taking into account your responsibilities to others. It encourages people to think about personal responsibility rather than just your own rights.

[@tommccartney7899]

Lights on a roundabout are normally because of the size of the roundabout, or if you cannot see over the roundabout. On a large roundabout speeds increase as cars have a longer run up to the junctions.

[@michaeljeacock]

handy tip. put P plates on your car. they are usually used by people who have only just past their test but mainly they are just a warning to other drivers that you don't have much experience yet so hopefully other drivers will be more cautious around you in case you make a mistake.

[@houghi3826]

The basics of a roundabout is: The person on the roundabout has right of way. So if you enter a roundabout, let the people on the roundabout go. If you are on a roundabout, continue till you leave the roundabout. The others will give you right of way. A roundabout is nothing else than a lot of t-crossings one after the other.

[@stuartfitch7093]

To answer your question near the end of the video: If you are using a normal two lane roundabout in the UK and you are in the inside lane intending to come off at the last junction to your right or double back (U turn) on yourself, then you exit the roundabout by passing the previous roundabout exit to the one you want to exit at, then put your left indicator (blinker) on, then check your left wing mirror to make sure there's no car in the outside lane blocking your exit from the roundabout then it is okay to move across from the inside lane of the roundabout, across the outside lane in order to exit the roundabout. Otherwise normal roundabouts in the UK would just end up like Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's European Vacation where he's going round and around the same roundabout on the inside lane for hours. Because he doesn't know how to exit the roundabout.

[@alisonlinnell8943]

Where there would otherwise be continuous circulating traffic preventing you entering at all, traffic lights provide space for those on minor arms to enter (though the main route will get more ‘green time’ at the lights.

[@markduggan3451]

Great instructional video. The only help I can give is, don't panic, if you miss your turn, then keep going around until you get back there (some people will beep there horn, don't panic). As a brit, I've driven in France, and I was nervous about their roundabouts (they drive on the wrong side, like you lol), but I found that it would be difficult to turn the wrong way. Keep safe, and if you come to South Wales, I'll be happy to drive you around.

[@grandad.reacts]

I live in France, a couple of times Ive driven into the centre of Paris, The roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe has 12 exits. a lot of fun.

[@HikeAh]

this was the most insane roundabout i was ever driving through. exciting! i lost my marbles in italy though.

[@dianeknight4839]

Traffic lights are common on busy roundabouts, sometimes only switched on a peak times, to keep traffic flowing. You will often find that UK traffic lights at junctions often have an additional green arrow for those who wish to make a turn at a junction. eg: if you are making a right turn at a junction, you must wait for the green arrow.

[@markborder906]

Natasha, it’s not that bad. I’m 71 and this year had my first ever visits on the continent, and we used our own car. I managed all the driving while there with no real problem, I just had to remember I had to always have the curb on my side. It was useful having my wife remind me. The biggest problem was in some of the small Belgium towns/villages. It was difficult working out what was road, what bike lane and what pavement. No useful separating curbs!

[@stevekenilworth]

simple way is to use clock face method as most the time that will be good so up to 12 o clock is left lane but if the exit you want is passed 12 o clock use the right lane as you enter a roundabout same goes for lanes turning right you be in center inside lane but straight on or left first few exits before 12 o clock use left lane. but also unless road paint like arrows tell you otherwise. spiral roundabouts it important to be in correct lane when you enter as the only lane change you may have to do is move to the inside lane as every exit the lane spirals outwards so get in correct lane you may not even have to change lane to exit it dose it for you, those more common on 3-4-5 lane roundabouts

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

I liked the spiral roundabout. At first I thought it was going to be an endless vortex. But once he explained it, it was really cool. 😊

[@airobsmith]

The point of roundabouts is to get rid of 3 or 4 way or even 5 way junctions rather than to remove lights. Sometimes one route feeding the roundabout has much heavier traffic than the others and lights to control the extra weight and keep the roundabout working smoothly. Also roundabouts in town often incorporate a pedestrian crossing, so lights are put in for this.

[@susanpearson-creativefibro]

When I was learning to drive there was a big roundabout we used in my lessons. I used to be a bit nervous about it. I’m not convinced that my instructor reassured me very much as he just told me to burn rubber and get across! Within a couple of weeks of passing I didn’t give roundabouts a second thought.

[@elizabethfinlay9866]

My grandad would notoriously go round twice as he always missed his exit or did not know the correct lane first time, it was the safest thing to do though, as the accidents happen when you panic and just suddenly change lanes and cut someone up. Just keep your cool and when its safe, indicate you want to change lanes when you see the correct one to join. Or if you take the wrong exit, turn yourself around in a quiet side road and re join - though sat nav these days will help you as well with course correction.

[@Sir.T]

What's funny is that I done my driving test in Morden where this video is and had to do Rosehill roundabout and had no issue. Passed the first time.

[@garlichr]

Those traffic lights at one of the roundabouts were for a pedestrian crossing. If pedestrians hit the button, the traffic lights go red to stop the traffic so they can cross safely.

[@Isleofskye]

Thanks for this. I have been driving in and around London since February 1980 for over 44 years now and clocked around 500,000 miles, in, mainly, short journeys. I Love driving my own car but have never driven anyone else's and I TOTALLY understand as I would never drive on the other side of the road, as I would be constantly analyzing where I should be all the time and would not find it enjoyable or relaxing. I , also, live right on the edge of South London but South East, not South West, like where he was at Morden and we have less traffic here. I find Roundabouts quite easy and communication with other road users and observation are essential. Good Luck::)

[@PJM74-gm8fg]

If your not "constantly analysing" where you should be, you simply should not be driving. It is a basic pre-requisite of having a licence to operate a vehicle! It does not need to be hard at all because once it has become habitual is when you are ready to take the test to obtain your licence. This is when driving enjoyment occurs..... You don't need to think constant analysis, but you MUST DO constant analysis all the same!

[@Tony-yp7ok]

I grew up in the part of South London shown in the video and have driven around those roundabouts hundreds of times - he makes it seem much more complicated than it is! The roadside signs and the painted signs on the road make it easy to see where you need to go. Sat nav makes it even easier 😊

[@sharonmartin4036]

Debbie: The exit right next to you would be exit 1. Stay on the left and take exit 1 = simple. If there are 5 exits, exit 5 would be two thirds or three quarters of the way around the roundabout.

[@liddy85]

The reason for lights on roundabouts is because during busy times the main route is a constant and dominant flow of traffic, the other lanes would not get a chance to get on the roundabout otherwise.

[@InaMacallan]

Lights are most commonly used at roundabouts with motorway junctions, so if you hire a car at the airport its likely that the first roundabout you encounter will have traffic light controlled exits. Which makes driving them much eadier!

[@arthur_p_dent]

22:35 Debbie is right, if you want to take the first exit but aren't in the correct lane, the safest way is to drive an "extra lap" in the roundabout and take the exit on the 2nd approach.

[@mrskgiggles]

Thing about roundabouts is certain towns have their own certain rules of their roundabouts that don’t actually stick to the usual rules. It can be very confusing if you don’t know ‘local rules’. Our town has many debates about how to use our roundabouts as we get a lot of tourists. It’s also easy to get used to driving the wrong side of the road. I was a not so confident driver but still drove to Germany myself to play Pokemon 😂

[@mattbentley9270]

Roundaboys with traffic lights are in rush hour deliberatly prioritising people to get the hell ott of town after work etc, from certain entrances to the ropundabout or there will be massive queues for local trafiic then they turn them off

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Lights on busy, multi-lane roundabouts especially, slow the traffic down and allow easy entrance and exit off the roundabout. There a roundabouts with four sets of traffic lights locally and just stick to your lane and go when the lights are green.

[@wilkibrown6725]

One thing that needs to be mentioned is never assume that when another car's indicators signal one direction, that this is the direction the other driver intends to go. The driver might change his/her mind at the last second, or they might have forgotten to switch their indicator off from a previous manoeuvre. It's not so bad when the driver is in front of you in your direction of travel, but if the driver is coming from the right on a UK roundabout and you make a decision based on their indicators, this could prove to be quite dodgy.

[@welshpete12]

You would be surprised how easy it is to get used to driving on the other side of the road . At first , for me starting off in the morning I had to remember to drive on the , " WRONG " side . But after a few weeks it became second nature . Roundabouts in the UK. The trick is to get in the correct lane as soon as you can . Which means having prior knowledge, of which lane to be in . Being in the wrong lane and trying to get back into the right one can be difficult, especially in heavy traffic. . Use your Indicators , ( traffic signals ) and it's then up to the driver behind you if he will let you in or no. Once in the correct lane . Give way to traffic already on the round about . All traffic goes round in a clockwise direction . Once on indicate before turning off, all traffic leaves to the left , I hope this helps. if you are coming over here on vacation . A good idea is the get a little booklet beforehand Called , The Highway code . Published by the UK government and it is full of very clear diagrams and good advice about using a roundabout and driving in general over here .

[@janetburrows137]

Debbie's got the spiral 🌀 roundabout sorted. BUT, we have a massive roundabout outside of Blackburn. It's a 4 lane multi exit roundabout, but you actually can't see the paint anymore. On said roundabout a lady managed to go down the up side of the motorway!!!! 😂😮🙈🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@caroleteare924]

The reason that some roundabouts have traffic lights is down to volume of traffic at certain junctions. There may be a major road crossing a smaller one and the cars on the smaller one may wait for ever to get a chance to join as the traffic flow on the major one is pretty continuous. That can lead to drivers taking a chance and pulling out when they really shouldn't. The lights give everyone an even chance of joining. Sometimes the lights are only in use during rush hours morning and evening and at other times it's a normal roundabout. To really freak Natasha out, find a video of the big 'magic' roundabout in Swindon. She will need to lie down in a darkened room afterwards!😂

[@seanfair1975]

I love one of the roundabouts in my city of Portsmouth its under the A27 and its a 3 lane 50 MPH sucker but you struggle to go round it at 40 its fun to try though

[@karenclover4948]

Wow this brings back memories. I used to be a delivery driver all around this area back in the 90's. My advice is to meet up with one of your followers to take you out to get some experience

[@matthewdale4135]

All roundabouts apart from mini ones will have signs or paving like first one with arrows showing direction of travel to help you.

[@MillerWright-mb1ob]

There are a number of roundabouts on the Birmingham inner ring road (and this probably isn't unique) that have sunken pedestrian underpasses in the middle, hence they have quite high walls around the middle of the roundabout so cars don't drive down the 'hole' that forms the pedestrian area, this means that you can't see the cars coming around the roundabout, usually with their pedal to the floor. I'm an experienced driver but they scare me blankless, and there's been occasions when I've nearly abandoned the car and walked home.

[@gregsmythe7705]

Very amusing reaction, girls 😂. On a serious note it’s not as complicated as you might think and you’ll be fine. Firstly, he was driving in London which even most people from outside London would avoid. It’s certainly not as intimidating outside of London. Secondly, much better to travel via public transport whilst in London because of the congestion, traffic, parking and impatience of Londoners. Alas, I’m one of them! Check out Daydreamer’s Barn, an American couple who do a lot of driving around the countryside.

[@MazzaEliLi7406]

In the UK the first exit on a round about will always be to your left so stay in the left hand lane as you approach the roundabout. Simples!

[@Ohm_mega]

My first car was an Austin A40, and there was so much play in the steering that you could do a quarter of a turn (±⅛) of the wheel without changing direction. Those old balck&white flms were completely accurate in how they showed driving in cars that did.'t have modern conveniences like power steering, ABS brakes, Halogen/LED lights, or Satnav.

[@lucindakeeler9274]

Great video ladies! Love your reactions to this. When I came across a roundabout in America it really messed with my head I know exactly how you feel Natasha. Debbie you’ve so got this, you’ll be great driving here 😊

[@Burglar-King]

My brother without fail goes around the roundabout twice for a laugh. Every time I’m in the car 🚘. A good thing to do is count out loud the exit number you want. E.G. You want exit 3…so count the roads you pass, 1 2 turn at the next one. I’m a passenger and the driver and I count together.

[@debbiebatten6088]

I was a driving instructor and I instructed in the areas shown in this video. The Rose Hill roundabout etc. I suggest you take the strain of driving Debbie !!😂

[@garyling2342]

Driving on the other side is easy. The most awkward thing I found was gear changing if you have a manual as you're using the other hand that you're used to using.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

This! That's another thing we have concerns about

[@Lemmi99]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow Over thirty years ago a friend and I went to Madrid. We hired a car for a few days to visit other places. It was a manual so we devised a method of changing gear, the driver would say up or down and the passenger would change gear. Driving in Madrid was fun, no quarter given or taken. The Spanish learned some British hand signals that day.

[@alisonlinnell8943]

It’s very easy in practice - this if for brand new drivers. On the business of driving on the other side of the road, you’ll quickly adjust to it, especially as you will be driving on the other side of the car. The thing I had to keep reminding myself driving in the US was to open the right door!

[@evehosgood]

It literally just becomes muscle memory and second nature, spiral roundabouts I find strangely satisfying to drive ( I’m strange though 😂😂 ). The roundabouts he showed you are pretty typical in most towns and city’s. But honestly if your ever in the Cardiff / South Wales area, hit me up, roundabouts are pretty gnarly around here 😂

[@carolynhaywood7701]

Hi Natasha and Debbie, we are taught in our driving lessons how to use them. If you can’t do it right in your test, you don’t pass your test and get your full license and have to retake it until you can do it. I didn’t know you hadn’t got them or only a few. Do new drivers not learn how to use them as part of their lessons and their final test? Ladies please don’t panic, it really is just practice and once you have done it a few times you will be fine. Lights were put in to make it easier for people to use them but not all roundabouts have them. The key to driving round them is, if you are going right hug the inside of the right lane until you see your exit then safely move to the left lane. Loving your channel.❤❤ Debbie if you want to go back where you came from just follow the roundabout all the way round until you get to the exit that points you back properly the 4th exit, hope this helps. Sorry Natasha but they are everywhere, it was a good video. sorry about the long message.

[@bencodykirk]

I learned to drive in London, so I must have been able to do British roundabouts at that time (that was 1988 though - long time ago). Now I live in Australia. Roundabouts are easy here (there aren't those weird spiral roundabouts for example!). You would have no trouble here, Natasha.

[@daysofgreenday65]

I pretty much focus on what's in front of me before I get to the roundabout: saves accidentally hitting the person in front. Once it's "my turn to enter", then I essentially start looking right.

[@oliverrandle756]

Thirty years ago I was a motorcycle instructor in Swindon and had to take new riders through the Magic Roundabout before they could take their test. I'm not sure who's knuckles were whiter, mine or theirs.

[@HikeAh]

coming from germany driving through belfast I was lost and made a nice trip through a lot of neighbourhoods. nonetheless: irish drivers are honking, waving and flashing lights at you, to help you out off your cross standing on any road or roundabout. one driver (in belfast) got out of his car to wave me through the traffic. try ireland first, then go to uk. some roundabouts in the uk and ireland are as big as a plate. it`s an extreme nicely experience to drive in another country, even leftdriving. it gets more exiting (leftdriving) if you are driving with a clutch. you always grab the doorhandle. if you fear roundabouts: avoid the netherlands. they do have a billion of them (but they are nice, easy and slow and fancy af). france and italy do have roundabouts, where no woman/man from other countries can survive. it is insane. just go russian roulette there. have fun and honk for your life. and remember: all drivers are kind of lost like you and do fear the traffic. jep. all of them. some just don't care and have a death wish. some are used to the insanitiy and might help you out. good luck!

[@alysoncaddick6344]

When my son's friend visited from Boston, he hired a car and they did a tour of the Jurassic coast - he's a Paleontologist. Every now and then, my son had to shout out, "Move left!" Luckily, this was usually in the countryside where there wasn't so much traffic. My daughter finds that lots of people who live here don't understand the rules of our mini roundabouts, so don't worry too much!

[@tonyis1111]

Most Car rentals in Europe are manual ("Stick Shift"). Automatic rental cars cost twice as much to rent, and are rare. Unless you can drive a manual car - roundabouts will be the least of your problems driving in the UK. Stay in London, take the tube in town, take the train to other towns. Watch Alana on "Adventures and naps" for her take on our public transport as Canadian living in the UK.

[@The_Relaxation_Coach]

Great video. There's a whole range of roundabouts here. Some very small in rural locations, some huge ones.On some roundabout the traffic lights are only used at peak times x

[@andreahamilton6579]

The magic roundabout is a pain in the ass, but I learned to drive on it when I lived in the UK, so when I got back to Ireland, nothing phased me, even the silly people that drive in the wrong lane.