Driving Lessons - Roundabouts with Video
This driving lesson video deals with multi-lane roundabouts.
In my previous dealing with roundabouts posts, I gave some general advice for learner drivers having problems with mini and normal roundabouts. I'm going to use this post to cover a few things regarding multi-lane (3 or 4 lane) roundabouts, I have also included a video with footage shot using Apex corner, Stirling Corner and Mill Hill circus roundabouts which you might encounter on the Mill Hill driving test centre or Hendon test routes.
3 or 4 Lane Roundabouts
The most important thing to bear in mind with multi-lane roundabouts is that you approach in the correct lane, and use the same lane throughout the roundabout until you are ready to exit, and give the appropriate signal to come off the roundabout.
Turning left at multi-lane roundabout
To turn left you will always approach in the left hand lane, and indicate left. If there are 2 lanes available to turn left, use the leftmost lane.
Following the road ahead at multi-lane roundabout
This is where things can be a little tricky. As you approach, you need to be looking out for signs either on the side or road markings to give you an indication of which lane to use. Usually you should be approaching in the left lane, and as you get closer you are scanning the road ahead not only for signs, but also for traffic to know if you would have to stop or not. You DO NOT need a signal on the approach if following the road ahead, but you do need to signal left as you go past the exit before the one you want, to let other users of the roundabout know what you are doing.
Turning right at multi-lane roundabout
If turning right you will need to use the right hand lane, and will be indicating right on approach to the roundabout. If the multi-lane roundabout has 4 lanes, there might be 2 lanes for turning right, in which case you should use the leftmost of the 2 (an example is shown in the accompanying multi-lane roundabout video, using Apex Corner). You should use the same lane on the roundabout until you are ready to exit, when you indicate left, and move across to the left lane (the video demonstrates this).
It takes practice to confidently deal with multi-lane roundabouts, so make sure you get plenty of practice at various times to build up enough experience to be able to deal with any situation you might encounter during the driving test.
If you are taking a test in Mill Hill or Hendon, please watch the video below many times to get familiar with the big roundabouts you might encounter.
If you live or work in NW London and need manual driving lessons in the Mill Hill or Hendon Test Centre areas, or would like some tuition to cover these multi-lane roundabouts, then call me on 07956233032
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17 comments:
I rekon these round abouts are great for learners to practise on! it definatly gives a good understanding of the road!
Even if they did some theory like reading up on the book total driving @ www.total-driving.com would be a good idea too!
I don't recommend driving test E-Books, and that includes the one above. If you have spare cash burning a hole in your pocket, send me a donation via paypal adi@ukadi.co.uk
Thanks a lot for this, the dfferent approaches, exits and number of lanes is great for learners to learn from, I have always had problems with the 3/4 lane roundabouts but this has cleared a few things up. Thanks
Thank you very much!
I have my test tomorrow in Hendon and was really nervous about Apex, thanks so much, brilliant video really helpful!!
Roundabouts are a great feature, but depend on drivers being able to successfully navigate them. Unfortunately,you have committed a DANGER DRIVING FAULT on turning right ,
1st you have changed lanes from 2 to 3 on the exit,
2nd you should not end up on the third lane on the exit....do some some reading how to negotiate roundabouts.
Newport driving school, thanks for your comments, but you are not familiar with Apex corner not its road markings, so you neither know the road layout nor have any local knowledge of how this particular roundabout works.
I followed the markings, and also there is a central divider on the last roundabout which forces all traffic to end up on the right lane. It would be nice if you had the full picture before making comments critising other driving instructors!
TDI UK driving school,
I have recently passed my driving test, but I am still not confident on multi-lane roundabouts (Target r'bout is my local!). Thanks for putting this video up, it was quite helpful!
I have a question: you pointed a certain white car at one point, criticising them for switching lanes to the right while on the roundabout, then switching back to the left.
If that white car was going to stay on the 2nd lane (counting from left) on the roundabout, if they were taking the same exit you took, should they have simply stayed in their 2nd lane? They would end up in the right-hand lane on their exit road. Is this correct?
The purpose of multi-lane roundabouts is to cope with a larger amount of traffic, than smaller ones, which is why you could have more than one lane going in the same direction.
You should therefore not change lanes while on the roundabout (I know others do, but it is not really safe). If you were in the 2nd lane when approaching, then stay there till the end, and yes you will end up in the right lane, but if you are an experienced driver who wants to make progress, then this is okay. Someone on their test is most likely not going to be able to do this. But if you can, then this will be okay with the DSA examiner.
A Fantastic demonstration of a very very tough job. Today I was driving my car and many people honked at me during the roundabout. I was not able to find out the reason. Wondering what mistake I did, I looked at many websites including my theory practical test CD. None of them demonstrated the roundabout skill the way you have done. I think I will be 100 times better on the road now and of course this will help me during my test.
Regards,
Bhawna
very confusing. very very confusing
very helpful thankyou very much
Love the accent in the video, but I hate round abouts. I am from the USA and we don't have round abouts.
very useful video, it would be better if you shot the videos on a wider angle so you can see more of the road & where you are turning to.
thanks
I passed my test this morning and I just want to say that the roundabout video and the explanation was pretty much the reason I passed! Roundabouts really confused me before and I was really nervous about having them on the test but thanks to your advice I completely understand it now.
Thanks! :)
Emily, thanks for the feedback, I'm glad the driving school video helped you pass the test.
Take care while driving, and keep the new full licence clean for the next 2 years, it is very easy to build up 6 penalty points if you are not careful or paying attention on the roads (speed and traffic light cameras).
thanks for the grea post
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