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)

[@godisgood5089]

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.

[@conniejl4925]

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

[@ketchup5344]

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

[@Darrenedney1989]

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

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Glad it helps Darren :) I try to make videos covering the bits that others don't always explain properly !

[@vivienm2037]

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!

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Vivien M glad you found it helpful :)

[@beecat9951]

Yup, loving it. And at this point I've sadly become an expert on watching videos about roundabouts

[@alejandramccombe1306]

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

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Thank you for your kind comment - I’m glad my videos helped you 😀

[@shiningdiva_2]

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

[@mandimandal6421]

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

[@petepsy]

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

[@tomx4960]

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!

[@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.

[@n70amu]

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

[@jjfattah]

Plain and precise.

[@hawnazhasan7735]

Very very useful video 😊😊 thank you very clear advice👌👌

[@bvseediermedia6]

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

[@matdavric]

It's in the HIGHWAY CODE!!!

[@Rajput007ist]

Very informative and great!

[@red2]

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.

[@tahirhameed7293]

Amazing demonstration

[@jodiejodie2194]

This is brilliant you made is very easy to understand

[@MhurmanThurman]

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

[@julianemeneghesso7078]

Brilliant video, thank you!!!!

[@sind552]

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

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

sindy rojas glad the helped :)

[@theoldguide7749]

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

[@devonmoon5016]

This video is a blessing ,thankyou XXXXX

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Happy to help :)

[@dariacaraus9645]

Thank you!great video!

[@catherineahonsi4989]

Thank you.Excellent teaching .I AM SUBSCRIBED

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Glad you found it useful :)

[@GreenDani18]

Great advice, very helpful. Thank you.

[@yaallahforgiveus7248]

Brillant video thanks

[@khan3354]

Very useful thanks sir!

[@DAKOURI1]

it's a best video ever. thank you, thank you

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for your comment 😀

[@nelsonpeter8817]

This video is really amazing

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Glad you liked it😀

[@Mamamia-wy5sd]

Hey man great video. The roundabouts where I drive have 2 lanes arrows pointing left and the other 2 lanes pointing straight. When you get on the roundabout and pass the first exit a new lane forms. Find those really confusing. Do you have a method of approaching these roundabouts?

[@shugofahamdard8495]

thanks for good information I have problem with roundabout

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

You are welcome :)

[@johnalmeida1483]

Well explained. thanks

[@Tommy_67]

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.

[@ukuk1043]

Thank you

[@user-oc1km8jc9h]

Very useful many tnx

[@thomasbuxton2648]

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?

[@thomasbuxton2648]

Please answer this :-) love your videos!

[@Isalehasapphire]

Same remark

[@Zacksleeps]

ditto! Honestly, i've heard so many 'rules' and stuff from various instructors now but i can always find examples that disproves it as a 'rule'. It's really annoying, but at this point i'm sure that 'local knowledge' is required when it comes to being a safe driver. You basically need to already know what lane to be in, where to switch, how the lane divides, if it divides etc etc. Or you only know the correct lane due to the arrow on the road, which, btw, is basically too late to be of any use haha. Even more so when cars are covering the arrow and it's busy! Go too a completley new area and I think even the best drivers will get it wrong a fair bit. In order to pass a driving test in a town, you really need to know that towns roads and roundabouts and have them memorised by heart.

[@angelangel-vv2yz]

True I'm confused by watching this video

[@godisgood5089]

The 1st exit is a 'stubby', a minor road like a driveway or dirt track that 99.9% of people will never use. 2nd exit is thinner than the current route (bottom line at 6 o'clock) and therefore a minor route (B1234 road). The 3rd exit is the same road you are on because it is the same width and it's roughly at the top. The 4th exit is another stubby on the right / last exit (right lane).

[@alimahdi7512]

Thank you so much

[@laciihasz4734]

i have a question. there is a roundabout i use and not sure about this bit. at entering the roundabout there are 2 lanes, no marking on the lanes to indicate where u should go like in the video. the roundabout and the first exit both have 2 lanes. i am entering the roundabout from the outer lane and staying in the outer lane in the roundabout and leaving at the first exit taking the second lane of it. not long ago i had a small crash cos a car entered the roundabout right next to me at the same time from the inner lane, going straight in to the inner lane but exiting in to the same lane where i was. ( first exit second lane) we agreed to both paying for our own cars as there was minor damage. but couldn't agree who's fault was it. she said she was in the right cos she was in the inner lane and from there she exited in the second lane of the first exit and according to her i should have taken the first lane as i was driving in the outer lane. according to me it was her fault cos she exited the roundabout from the inner lane, crossing over the outer lane without giving me the right of way as i was travelling in that lane. and there were no road signs saying that from the outer lane traffic should leave the roundabout at the first exits first lane. any opinion?

[@zarrarmalik7629]

Passed my test first time.....no issues...thanks for the video....i didn't even go on a single roundabout on my test.....

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

congratulations! I can't imagine a driving test with no roundabouts - there are so many round here. Where did you take your test?

[@zarrarmalik7629]

Manchester, DIDSBURY

[@rapjoy2637]

Congrats! This is what I need

[@themsmeek1]

I hope this happens to me - I hate these roundabouts!

[@alimanakajhsk5584]

Can you do a roundabout with when to put on indicators pls

[@punkskaphil]

In the example from 3:00 - 3:30 the lane markings are only seen just before reaching the roundabout. If there's already traffic waiting there the markings wouldn't be visible and there wouldn't be time for drivers to change lanes accordingly (i.e. as in the example if they were planning to take the second exit and stay in the left lane, but the markings say to use the right lane instead). What should drivers do in this case?

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

The left arrow in the left lane means Left Turn ONLY, so once you have chosen that lane you must turn left. Change your plan rather than changing your lane if you see the road markings late. The key thing is that you have to somewhere and you have to do it SAFELY. It wouldn't be safe to change lanes at the last minute, or to continue round to the second exit in the left turn only lane because other drivers know the layout, can see the markings and will make their own decisions based on how you have positioned. Once you have chosen your lane you have to go where the lane goes. there is always somewhere else to turn around to get back to where you wanted to be - generally another roundabout will be nearby or you can turn around in a side road, etc; or your sat nav will just re-route you. BUT if you watch my Roundabouts Part 2 video I explain how you can normally anticipate road markings before you can see them, allowing you to make better lane choices earlier in your approach to the roundabout.

[@saniasaleem7241]

If my exit is the last and it's before 12oclock and I use the outer lane do I still need to signal on approach then signal left and move into the left lane if there are two lanes in the new road or can I not signal on approach and signal left and stay in the outer lane

[@AzizurRahman-wv4tq]

In a roundabout, what does it mean by "turning right?" and which exits qualify as turning rights? Thanks

[@robertodumitru8716]

Thanks

[@wahidalghabari5490]

why do we use the right or left when some roundabouts in the second exit

[@leesway]

Really good and I was following until 4:25. I cannot look at that and not see a right turn. Especially because I was told that roundabouts are like clocks. 12 o clock is straight, left of 12 gets a left turn sign, and any degree to the right past 12 gets a signal right. Ugh!

[@matdavric]

Yes you are correct...ignore this video

[@sunnys284]

Great explanation, 1 thing I struggle with is, how to identify number of exists, the stubs there in roundabout (4:15) at 8 and 3 o'clock, are those exists? Why it is not mentioned where do they lead to?

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

The short stubs with no words are still exits. The first exit (no text on the sign) takes you to a business park with a large Costco store. The second exit takes you to the Airport The third exit (continuation of the road we are on A327) takes you to the other places listed and is the “main” road where most traffic goes. The 4th exit ( another stub with no text on the sign) takes you to residential roads, a small industrial park and the local Recycling Centre/dump. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because a stub exit doesn’t have any text on the sign it doesn’t count as an exit. The difference in this case is that exit 1 and exit 4 (the two stubs) are only of interest to local traffic. Sometimes an exit from a roundabout only leads to residential roads, which are of no interest to non-local traffic just passing through. The more text they put on a sign the harder it is for anyone to read the sign in time and work out where they need to go. For this reason you will often find 2 signs on the approach to roundabouts, especially on main roads. The first sign will list other towns/cities further away and any local places of interest to visitors (e.g airport). this gives people unfamiliar with the area, or just passing through, as much time as possible to plan for the junction. The second sign will be nearer to the roundabout and will list places of more local interest (e.g. car parks, local shops, swimming pool, etc). Local people will probably already be aware that the junction is there and have a rough idea where they are heading, so need less time to plan for the roundabout. So some exits may appear as stubs on either the first or the second sign. But if all this info was on one sign it would be very cluttered and hard to read.

[@sunnys284]

@@DrivingLessonsnet thanks a lot for the detailed information. Makes much more sense now. Cheers !

[@AzizurRahman-wv4tq]

Which exit(s) does “right turn” refer to?

[@MrCwalkerify1]

Hi I’m very confused at the roundabout from 3:09. I was always told that if the second exit is angled towards the right of the round about that you should stay in the right hand lane and signal right.

[@leesway]

Yeah I was taught that too but since the road markings had "straight or right" in the right hand lane, I figured that second exit was supposed to be the straight one.

[@matdavric]

Yes you are right...the video is wrong!!!They haven't read the highway code on roundabouts lol

[@joewhitehouse9714]

Does this go against the “clock” method? Where exits past the 12 o’clock mark require the right hand lane? For instance what if the last exit is straight ahead? Is that left or right? Or if “straight ahead” is slightly to the right of 12 but not the last exit is it right or left?

[@devonmoon5016]

Joe Whitehouse absolutely what I need to know too ,was at a roundabout 'straight ahead'was at 2'oclock ,I needed right lane I indicated right my instructor said because I did that I should've taken 3rd exit ,because I indicated for straight ahead I would've failed my actual test (was a mock) bit confused XX good luck everyone XXXXX

[@AzizurRahman-wv4tq]

This is what I’m really confused about too and holding me back in my driving. I will be grateful if anyone can explain this. Thanks

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

@@AzizurRahman-wv4tq its like the driver has to be beyond perfect to predict when a sign is lieing, it frustrates me

[@matdavric]

Its these sort of videos that there are crashes on roundabouts....use the right lane for any exit PAST 12 O'CLOCK!!!

[@monkeydust100]

Alot of roundabouts here only have right/left arrows on the road and no signs but when there are cars parked on them how are you supposed to know?!

[@chloejena5158]

At 3:06, is it not a right turning as it’s facing past 12 o’clock? Since passing my test, I’ve been struggling with roundabouts with no road markings as my instructor told me that anything past 12 o’clock is a right turn so I need to be in the right hand lane, however since passing, I’ve sometimes applied this to roundabouts and noticed cars in my mirror on the left when doing my left mirror signal taking the same exit as me and I’m getting super confused, and luckily, I’ve managed to change lanes safely onto my exit but I know I won’t always be able to do that. Edit - Sorry, I just watched it all the way through and didn’t realise that it had road markings but how does this work with roundabouts the same as that but without road markings?

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Thanks for your comment. As you say, in this case there are road markings indicating left turn, ahead and right turn are options. So in this case the second exit is definitely considered ahead not right. The problem with the so called 12 o clock “rule” which you have been taught is that there are so many roundabouts where it does not work and leads to exactly the confusion you describe! That’s why I have taught it in 10 years of instructing. The approach I use and describe in these 3 videos is to get you to read the road using all available information and understand how the roundabout works and be able to choose the correct lane on ANY roundabout, not just the simple ones where the 12 o clock “rule” works. I’m willing to bet that having taught you the “rule” your instructor then took you to various roundabouts which could “catch you out on your test” and said remember in this one to do this, and on this one do that. How does that help you with roundabouts you’ve never met before when the 12 o clock “rule” lets you down?

[@sharondavis7779]

Can this be done birds eye view?

[@endeavour5762]

What if you are on the right hand lane and theres a car blocking you on the left? do you just go all the way round till he goes??

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Yes. Just do a complete circuit and exit only when it is safe to do so.

[@shehzadnazir9234]

Hi Thank you for the video. My question is if a 6 exit roundabout has 3 approch lanes with one lane designated for left turn only, one for straight ahead and one for turning right. 1st exit is on the left at 8’o clock position , 2nd exit at left 10’’’o clock position while 3rd at 12’o clock. My question is which lane should be taken 2nd exit? Left only or straight ahead? Also does left turn only lane designated for immediate left turn or for any turns on the left side? As in above case both 1st and 2nd exits are on left side? If you could reply it will be really helpful. Thanks

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Normally if an approach lane has a left turn arrow only in it then it would be for FIRST exit only. Sometimes the arrows have 2 heads - one for left and one for straight on. I'm quite intrigued by a 6 exit roundabout with only 3 approach lanes. It will depend on the expected traffic flows how they split the traffic into lanes but the markings should be quite clear. Can you post a link to google maps for where this roundabout is so I can give you answer for this particular roundabout? If you can't post a link then post the address and the direction you are coming from. The way I look at it is left means FIRST exit only. Ahead means any other exit which is not turning right. Turning right means any exit which involves leaving the road you are on to the right or taking the LAST exit. For example if you are approaching on the A1 and the 4th exit is the continuation of the A1 Exit 1 is Left Exit 2,3,4 is counted as ahead Exit 5 and 6 are counted as Right Logically if you enter on the A1 and you leave on the A1 you have followed the road ahead. If you go further round the roundabout than that then you have effectively turned right (imagine the roundabout itself isn't there but all the other roads are, you'd have to have turned right to get to the roads which are exit 5 or 6). Hope that makes sense but if you post a link I will look at it.

[@shehzadnazir9234]

Wow thank you for your very detailed reply, i really appreciate that. I am posting the link of the roundabout and entering point is from Kingstanding road. Same three lanes ( left turn only, straight ahead, and right turn only) . If you will zoom in then you will get a better idea. www.doogal.co.uk/ShowMap.php?postcode=B44%209HH Incase the link doestnot work then postcode is b44 9hh. Thank you

[@shehzadnazir9234]

Also would the answer be same regarding lane choice if we enter from north or south as Kingstanding round is A dual carriageway and exits look quite different if entered from north and south. I hop that makes sense. Thank you

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Shehzad, that roundabout is not how you described it ! None of the approaches has 3 lanes, and none of them have arrows on the road designating lanes for left, ahead or right!! Generally they are 2 lane approaches with 2 lanes on the exit and no lane markings, so you can use either lane and exit from either lane! So long as you stay in your lane it works - either approach in the left lane on Kingstanding Road, stay left on the roundabout (follow the crust of the pizza) and exit onto Kingstanding Road in the left hand lane or Approach in right hand lane on Kingstanding, stay in the right lane (hugging the roundabout) and exit into the right hand lane on Kingstanding (but make sure you check that the car on your left is turning off not continuing round.

[@shehzadnazir9234]

Hi Thank you for your quick respose. I agree that lane marking is not visible in the map but i have been practising on the same roundabout for last few weeks and i has orginally three approaching lanes like left turn only on the extreme left, straight arrow lane in the middle and right turn arrow lane in extreme right. If you visualise the lanes and keep the roundabout ( shown in the above link ) in mind, can you please guide how to choose the lanes. Believe me many people have failed on this roundabout due to wrong lane and i really want help in understanding this particular roundabout which i believe will give me much more undertstamding of all the roundabouts in grneral. Thank you for taking time out and addressing your followers issues. Much appreciated

[@thomasbuxton2648]

I’m quite confused about the roundabout at 4:15. You mentioned the third exit, but you’re counting the first short dash as an exit.. is that actually an exit? I thought the short dash means it’s an entrance to the Titans l roundabout, hence you cant exit from it I’m confused because it doesn’t have a caption on the board telling you where it’s going. But when you enter the the roundabout, there is a left arrow on the road telling you can exit left.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Hi Thomas, The short stubs with no words are still exits. The first exit (no text on the sign) takes you to a business park with a large Costco store. The second exit takes you to the Airport The third exit (continuation of the road we are on A327) takes yo to the other places listed and is the “main” road where most traffic goes. The 4th exit ( another stub with no text on the sign) takes you to residential roads, a small industrial park and the local Recycling Centre/dump. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because a stub exit doesn’t have any text on the sign it doesn’t count as an exit. The difference in this case is that exit 1 and exit 4 (the two stubs) are only of interest to local traffic. This sign is on an A road so much traffic will not be local and will be passing through, so they need to pick information from the sign for the places of interest to them, without having to find it amongst lots of other text on the sign which would confuse them. You will often find two (or more) direction signs on the approach to roundabouts and other busy junctions. The first will detail longer distance routes (other towns etc) to give non-locals as much warning as possible to plan their lane and approach to the junction. The second will detail more local places such as local shops, leisure centre, car parks etc as the locals (a) are already aware there is a junction coming and (b) probably already have a good feel for where they are going to be going anyway so need less warning to plan for the junction. If everything was put on one sign it would become very cluttered and confusing and hence would not help the very people it’s aimed at helping. You can check out this roundabout for yourself on Google Maps - it’s Meadowgate Roundabout in Farnborough.

[@thomasbuxton2648]

@@DrivingLessonsnet thank you for the lengthy explanation!!

[@jesslucy8158]

I have my first attempt at the practical test in 2 weeks, roundabouts and crossroads are what I’ll fail 😂

[@divineprovidence803]

Spiral roundabouts can be more challenging if you haven't planned ahead.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

I cover spiral roundabouts in A separate video.

[@a.856]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Srilankowa]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Glad you found it useful 😀

[@rga7482]

Sorry but I learned that if the exit is over the 12 o clock then we turning right and I can't use the left hand lane.

[@ifgghhbtffhhg6664]

This for help

[@iamjimfan]

Design of roundabouts is not consistent. This is painful but I will live with it.

[@richu709]

How can you tell of its a bend or actually a right turn or if its not the last?

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Are you leaving the roundabout on the same road name or road number that you entered it from? e.g. if you enter from London Road and exit onto London Road or A327 to A327 then you have FOLLOWED the road, you have not turned off it, so it is a bend in the road. BUT if the exit you want is the LAST exit then it will be right hand lane even if it is the same road name/number - if the right hand lane isn't for people going as far round the roundabout as possible then who else will ever use it - only people using the roundabout for a U-turn which is not normally many people).

[@inamoto1984]

Driving-Lessons.net How do you signal in this situation? It is the 3rd exit but we stayed on the left lane because it is not the last exit, and we are not turning right, we are going straight ahead.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

No signal - you are following the road ahead and it is not last exit.

[@williammcconville4967]

@@DrivingLessonsnet what if it was a different road with the same lay out of roundabout and the lanes you enter in from the left lane markings says straight and left and the second lane has arrow right?

[@beautygirl842]

Driving-Lessons.net thanks for your answer. However, what is this actually called?

[@Zacksleeps]

why was the last one right hand lane? Just because of the road markings? Nothing to do with the sign since it wasn't last exit and wasn't a right turn...?...I find you see the markings too late to be of any use most of the time

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Yes, purely because of the road markings. I agree these are often only visible very late - hence I made my video “Choosing lanes at roundabouts - part 2” which should help you (in most cases) to be able to anticipate when there are likely to be road markings even before you can see them. There will always be exceptions and sometimes you will find yourself in the wrong lane. If so, the safest thing to do is to change your plan and go where the lane goes rather than where you wanted to go, then find a way to get back to where you wanted to go.

[@jenniemaclean1448]

Ive always been told anything before 12oclock or at 12oclock position on roundabout is ledt anything past 12oclock position is right

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Hi Jennie, Most people are taught that "rule" but it's not a rule and there are so many roundabouts where it doesn't work, hence the reason why I made this video showing a different approach. The trouble with the 12 o clock guideline is that it can lead you to be in the wrong lane until very close to the roundabout, then you see lane markings at the last minute and try to do a last minute lane lunge or, just as bad, try to go round in the wrong lane. The tips in this video and Part 2 are aimed at allowing drivers to choose lanes with confidence much earlier, allowing more time to deal with speed, gear and looking for gaps and not get caught out by last minute lane markings. Imagine a simple 2 exit roundabout - 1st exit at 9 o'clock, second exit at 12 o'clock. The 12 o clock rule would say to use the left lane for that, but just as you get to the roundabout the one car which was waiting and obscuring the lane markings moves and now you see it is left lane for left, right lane for straight on. With my tips here as soon as you saw the roundabout sign with only 2 exits you will plan for right lane immediately as you want the last exit - regardless of whether it's at 10 o clock, 11, o clock, 12 o clock, or 3 o clock. Also often the position of the exits on the sign (thinking of it as clock face ) does not match the physical layout when you get to the roundabout, so the 12 o clock "rule" falls down. However, if it works for you then carry on using it, and it will work at a lot of roundabouts. But my pupils have found this way of thinking about it gives them much more confidence when approaching new roundabouts.

[@jenniemaclean1448]

Ok brilliant thankyou ! X

[@jenniemaclean1448]

Also i would like to quickly ask if i want to turn right and i pass the white line on green and wait for oncoming traffic to pass till i can turn right and the traffic light turns red can i still turn right ? Because i did this today pass white line on green waited for other traffic to pass i wasnt obstructing traffic yet some bloke was basically telling me i should be moving back ? Did i do it wrong because it would of made sense to still go otherwise i would be waiting for ages and obstructing traffic .

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

jennie, You did the right thing ! No way do you reverse back. The red light apples to the solid white line at the traffic light. Once you are passed that you are waiting to turn just as if you were turning right into a side road and waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic before turning. You then have 3 opportunities to turn right - a gap in the traffic - a filter arrow coming on (if there is one) - the light going red ( it no longer applies to you as you have crossed the stop line) This all applies if you are the FIRST car waiting to turn right as you will be far into the junction and will you structure other traffic if you stay there once oncoming has stopped. If you are the second or later car then it may be safer to wait for the next green light depending on the layout of the junction and whether you would be in the way if you stay where you are - safety first) but you definitely do not reverse back over the line again.

[@jenniemaclean1448]

I thought i did the right thing and dont worry i didnt reverse back 😂 ive always done it the way i explained because it made more sense wouldnt make sense not to and how ive been taught. Thankyou again !

[@Gggg-cq1ih]

Why was that left!?? It bend?? curve?? It was past 12 a clock.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Not sure which of the roundabouts you are talking about, but if you watch the video again you will see the logical steps I follow to decide which lane to use. The so called “12-o-clock” rule which so many are taught is misleading because there are many roundabouts where it doesn’t work and leads to confusion, late lane changes and accidents. If the “12-o-clock rule” worked at every roundabout then people wouldn’t be confused about which lane to choose and wouldn’t be looking for videos like this on KZbin! We drive on the left, so stay left UNLESS you are taking the last exit, you are leaving the road you are on by turning right, or road markings direct you (e.g. when left lane is for left turn only). Think about what the junction would be if the roundabout wasn’t there. You have a road ahead (following the road you are on) one or more junctions on the left and one or more junctions on the right. If you are following the road ahead you wouldn’t move out to the right hand lane to drive past the junctions on the left and then back to the left lane once you are past them, you simply stay in The left lane to follow the road ahead. You would only move out to the right hand lane if you want to turn right (i.e. LEAVE the road you are on by turning right). If there was a bend in the road where those junctions are it wouldn’t affect the lane you choose.

[@zarrarmalik7629]

Where is the part 2 of the video...??

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Hi Zarrar, Part 2 is still being filmed/edited and will (hopefully) be released next week.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Just published - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2fIeINtab5_ppY

[@thomasbuxton2648]

4:16 how is that not the last exit ... there are no more exits after it, the next one is an entrance for people entering the roundabout

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Hi Thomas, see my reply to your other comment on this video. Thanks.

[@nallam2093]

Your videos are very nice but the roads too dark

[@misstangshan95]

Sorry, but the 3rd exit is clearly a right turn at 4:13, it is roughly about 2 o'clock on a clock face. How can it be otherwise?

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Sorry, but it is not - as the video explains. At 4:41 See the road markings - we are following the A327 and the road markings clearly show that you need to use the left lane for the A327. If you use the right hand lane here for the A327 you are wrong and would end up cutting up others when you attempt to exit into what is only a single lane on the exit. The so called 12 o clock “rule” causes so much confusion as people focus on the position on the “clock face” rather than reading all the clues. I have never taught the 12 o clock “rule” and don’t use it any of my videos because there are so many examples where it doesn’t work. Imagine the roundabout was not there and you are driving the same route, following the A327. You would have two side roads on the left, and one side road on the right. The A327 happens to have a slight bend to the right at this point. Try drawing the junction out without the roundabout. This technique has helped my pupils understand roundabouts in general. You would only signal right or move out to the right if you wanted to leave the A327 to turn into the side road on the right. Otherwise you would stay in the left lane. You don’t signal right or move right in order to follow a bend in the road. The fact that a roundabout has been put at this junction does not alter the lanes required to follow different routes (unless road markings or road signs indicate otherwise, which they do not in this case).

[@misstangshan95]

@@DrivingLessonsnet ah so this is one of those instances where the road markings dictate otherwise? If they weren't there then it would be a right turn? Cos if that wasn't there I'd have no idea it was following the road ahead.

[@misstangshan95]

@@DrivingLessonsnet that marking doesn't appear till the very last second, so I imagine a lot of people will be moving over dangerously. It should be sign posted earlier

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

@@misstangshan95 you are on the A327 when you join the roundabout and you are on the A327 after you exit the roundabout - so you are following the road ahead, the road markings don’t change this.

[@misstangshan95]

@@DrivingLessonsnet oh this whole time I never realised "follow the road ahead" literally means that. To me it meant leave at 12 o'clock or there abouts. As you say too focused on the clock face analogy. So I'll need to be more focused on the number of junction rather than the town name. I'll keep that in mind thanks!

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

it seems a lot of roundabout road markings are posistioned far too late!

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

lllCANDYMAANlll Please see my video - Choosing Lanes at Roundabouts Part 2 - which shows you techniques you can use the be able to anticipate lane makings before you can see them.

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

@@DrivingLessonsnet i shall 👍

[@lllCANDYMAANlll]

@@DrivingLessonsnet I'm struggling to see why at 2:09 you went in the right-hand lane on approach, technically the sign is wrong as that exit was indeed just past 12 o'clock but there were no road markings saying which lane to get into. I know your saying as its the "last exit get into the right-hand lane" but ive never heard of that before?

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

lllCANDYMAANlll there a couple of ways to think about this. 1) on any roundabout where you are taking the last exit, if the right most lane isn’t for you then who else is it for? The only people going further round the roundabout than you would be the people who choose to go all the way round in basically a U-turn. 2) On this particular roundabout there are only two exits (ignoring the U-turn possibility). Remember that the whole point of roundabouts is to keep traffic flowing as much as possible, and that the road normally widens to provide at least one extra lane as you approach the roundabout. So, your one lane will become two. With two exits and two lanes one lane for each exit splits the traffic and keeps it flowing better. Always think about why the lanes are there and then it easier to anticipate that they will be there and to choose the correct lane early. The earlier you get your approach to the roundabout sorted (position, speed and gear) the more time you will have to read the traffic when you get there, spot your gap and keep flowing.

[@ianmckinney3446]

You won't believe this but I passed 4 weeks ago and was never taught this lol.

[@richardgadsby6642]

The most annoying roundabouts are the ones with markings right as you approach the roundabout and you don't have time to move lanes.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Part 2 of my roundabout series covers how you can anticipate when there are likely to be markings before you can see them 😀

[@TheNightBadger]

How are you supposed to see the road markings telling you you can't go a certain way until you're right on top of them, and look at road signs, and watch where we're going, and look our for other vehicles - all while traveling fairly fast? Thank god us humans have seven eyes or this might be really awkward. I hate British roads.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

See my video - Part 2 ! It shows how you can ANTICIPATE there will be road markings before you can see them.

[@indigo_enigma]

I see more and more of these stupid, left lane for left only, roundabouts. And of course you can't see the road markings BECAUSE THERES BLOODY CARS ON THEM! Daft.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

Hi Andrew, I agree that the road markings are often late, only one arrow and it is often covered by queuing traffic making it difficult to see until too late. That is why I'm about to release Part 2 of this video which includes tips about how you can often anticipate there are going to be lane markings well before you can see the actual markings, allowing you to get into position much sooner. I'm putting the finishing touches to the video and should release it this weekend.

[@indigo_enigma]

Driving-Lessons.net When I was a new driver, I would plot my route on Google maps satellite view. Then have a quick scan through the roundabouts, checking which lane I had to be in. It did help a lot.

[@DrivingLessonsnet]

I've just uploaded Part 2 - The bit about anticipating when there probably will be lane markings starts around the 10 minute mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2fIeINtab5_ppY

[@mavisansu5046]

Andrew Gallacher

[@user-qj5pc4pj9k]

4:30