Roundabouts are a routine part of lessons and driving tests, and they are also a common source of confusion about which lane to use and when to signal. The Highway Code covers them in rules 184 to 190. This article summarises those rules as published on GOV.UK. The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales; this version does not cover Northern Ireland. The Code’s introduction explains that rules using the words MUST or MUST NOT are legal requirements, while other rules use advisory wording such as “should”, and that even advisory rules can be used in evidence in court proceedings under the Traffic Acts. This is general information, and the Code itself is the authority.
Approaching a roundabout (rules 184 and 185)
Rule 184 tells drivers to take notice of, and act on, all the information available, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings that direct them into the correct lane. It sets out a sequence: use Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre at all stages; decide as early as possible which exit is needed; give an appropriate signal timed so as not to confuse other road users; get into the correct lane; adjust speed and position to traffic conditions; and stay aware of the speed and position of everyone around.
Rule 185 covers the point of entry. Drivers should give priority to traffic approaching from the right, unless signs, road markings or traffic lights direct otherwise. They should check whether road markings allow entry without giving way, and if so proceed but still look to the right before joining. They should watch for road users already on the roundabout, since these may not be signalling correctly or at all, and look forward before moving off to make sure the traffic in front has moved.
Signals and position (rule 186)
Rule 186 sets out three cases, each “unless signs or markings indicate otherwise”.
- First exit to the left: signal left, approach in the left-hand lane, keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.
- Exit to the right, or going full circle: signal right, approach in the right-hand lane, keep to the right on the roundabout until it is necessary to change lanes to exit, and signal left after passing the exit before the one wanted.
- Any intermediate exit: select the appropriate lane on approach; the rule says signalling on approach should not normally be needed; stay in that lane until a change of course is needed to exit, and signal left after passing the exit before the one wanted.
Where there are more than three lanes at the entrance, the rule says to use the most appropriate lane on approach and through the roundabout.
Cyclists, horse riders and long vehicles
Rule 186 also says drivers should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout, who will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic. Drivers should give them plenty of room and not attempt to overtake them within their lane, allowing them to move across the driver’s path as they go around. The Code adds that cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show that they are not leaving; drivers should take extra care entering so as not to cut across them.
Rule 187 tells drivers to watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians crossing the approach and exit roads, traffic crossing in front of them on the roundabout (especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit), traffic straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, and long vehicles including those towing trailers. The site’s article on the hierarchy of road users covers the wider principle behind giving way to more vulnerable users.
Mini-roundabouts and multiple roundabouts (rules 188 to 190)
Rule 188 says mini-roundabouts should be approached in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings, except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so. The rule notes there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal, and advises avoiding U-turns at mini-roundabouts while being aware that others may make them.
Rule 189 says that at double mini-roundabouts each roundabout should be treated separately, giving way to traffic from the right. Rule 190 says the same for a series of mini-roundabouts at complex junctions: treat each separately and follow the normal rules.
What this means for lessons and tests
The site’s explanation of driving test faults describes how errors are graded on a test, and its overview of the four parts of the practical test shows where roundabouts are likely to arise during the drive.
Common questions
Do I always signal left when leaving?
Rule 186 says to signal left after passing the exit before the one wanted, for right-hand exits, full circles and intermediate exits, and to continue signalling left when taking the first exit on the left.
Can I drive over a mini-roundabout?
Rule 188 says all vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so.
The bottom line
The Highway Code’s roundabout rules in England, Scotland and Wales come down to reading signs and markings early, choosing the lane for the exit, giving priority to traffic from the right, signalling as rule 186 describes for each exit, and giving space to cyclists, riders and long vehicles. Mini-roundabouts must be driven around the central markings by all but the largest vehicles.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Using the road (159 to 203)”
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Introduction”