Roundabout query
Discussion
I'm currently learning 'The System' and made a right balls up today. Essentially I don't have loads of driving experience and I don't tend to tackle big roundabouts. In this case it was one of the just-outside-the-city-centre type affairs with, IIRC, four exits, albeit the third exit was essentially straight ahead. I was told just to follow the sign to a particular place, and this third exit was where it was. So I positioned myself in the right-hand lane (two lanes) and was promptly told that I picked the wrong lane. I then got flustered and completely went to pot, failing to make a decision on which lane to go round again in and then missing the turning for the second time (lack of confidence).
So basically, driving gurus, how should I approach large roundabouts. Another thing is that I don't scan far enough ahead. I don't tend to drive massively on signs as I'm not very confident and often rely on a sat nav (which I know isn't great). What should I be taking in? Where should I be positioning myself? What type of scenarios cause lane changing on a roundabout to be a necessity? Cheers.
So basically, driving gurus, how should I approach large roundabouts. Another thing is that I don't scan far enough ahead. I don't tend to drive massively on signs as I'm not very confident and often rely on a sat nav (which I know isn't great). What should I be taking in? Where should I be positioning myself? What type of scenarios cause lane changing on a roundabout to be a necessity? Cheers.
The advice my instructor gave me years ago for dealing with getting in the right lane at roundabouts:
Look at the roundabout sign: You start at 6 o'clock, for any exit upto (and including) 12 o'clock you should be in the left lane(s). Any exit after 12 o'clock and you should be the right hand lane.
It's not failproof advice for very large junctions but generally you'll end in the right area, able to switch into the correct lane according to the road markings.
If you need more advice, you might be best visiting 2pass.
Look at the roundabout sign: You start at 6 o'clock, for any exit upto (and including) 12 o'clock you should be in the left lane(s). Any exit after 12 o'clock and you should be the right hand lane.
It's not failproof advice for very large junctions but generally you'll end in the right area, able to switch into the correct lane according to the road markings.
If you need more advice, you might be best visiting 2pass.
Don't be afraid to go round again or take the wrong exit to avoid an accident.
There is little time to be gained on roundabouts and much to be lost - overtake before or after, avoid running alongside on the RAB itself. (See StressedDave, Maxim 1). This will also help where lanes become unclear.
Bikes are there to kill themselves under you. Avoid them like the plague.
Beyond that -- the clock analogy is helpful, although arrows on the road often are present on multi-lane roundabouts. Lanes often spiral outwards, so start a gradual outwards drift as you go round. Since you won't be next to someone, this won't be a problem.
Check blind spots (both sides!) and indicate if helpful for your exit.
Everyone is trying to kill you (especially if you are on a bike).
There is little time to be gained on roundabouts and much to be lost - overtake before or after, avoid running alongside on the RAB itself. (See StressedDave, Maxim 1). This will also help where lanes become unclear.
Bikes are there to kill themselves under you. Avoid them like the plague.
Beyond that -- the clock analogy is helpful, although arrows on the road often are present on multi-lane roundabouts. Lanes often spiral outwards, so start a gradual outwards drift as you go round. Since you won't be next to someone, this won't be a problem.
Check blind spots (both sides!) and indicate if helpful for your exit.
Everyone is trying to kill you (especially if you are on a bike).
Was this you? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFsDjmceuDo
Seriously though, did the observer explain why you were in the wrong lane? Most large roundabout have lane markings painted on the road to help.
Read the highway code again, become confident in the theory and then go back and tackle it again, on your own until you are happy with yourself.
Seriously though, did the observer explain why you were in the wrong lane? Most large roundabout have lane markings painted on the road to help.
Read the highway code again, become confident in the theory and then go back and tackle it again, on your own until you are happy with yourself.
Hi All
Get the passenger to explain the reasons and if they are at odds with The Highway Code consider whether they are right for you.
Hope this helps
Best regards
Martin A
LongLiveTazio said:
...I was told just to follow the sign to a particular place, and this third exit was where it was. So I positioned myself in the right-hand lane (two lanes) and was promptly told that I picked the wrong lane....
Unless there were lane markings or signs you weren't necessarily in the wrong lane. According to The Highway Code either lane could be used. As long as you didn't cause any other road user a problem the problem is with your 'passenger' A decent trainer would have raised the subject well in advance or only offered advice in case they were of the opinion that you were in danger.Get the passenger to explain the reasons and if they are at odds with The Highway Code consider whether they are right for you.
Hope this helps
Best regards
Martin A
I seem to recall the picture in the highway code suggesting that if you're going straight on and your exit has 2 lanes, you can go from either of your two lanes. If you start in the left lane or the right lane, keep in it, don't swap and change.
The left hand lane for straight ahead is usually the safe choice but beware of local custom if there are 2 exits before straight ahead. Local drivers may expect you to conform to local practice, even if it differs from the highway code.
As others have said, better to do a lap of the island or go off at another exit than try to push your way to your preferred route.
The left hand lane for straight ahead is usually the safe choice but beware of local custom if there are 2 exits before straight ahead. Local drivers may expect you to conform to local practice, even if it differs from the highway code.
As others have said, better to do a lap of the island or go off at another exit than try to push your way to your preferred route.
Those city types are crazy! come to wiltshire and see our MAGIC ROUNDABOUT!!! you will never fear roundabouts ever again!
plus.. the magic roundabout is actually very easy to navigate your way around and, once mastered, is a sinch. roundabouts often seem more daunting then they really are.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Roundabout_(Swi...
plus.. the magic roundabout is actually very easy to navigate your way around and, once mastered, is a sinch. roundabouts often seem more daunting then they really are.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Roundabout_(Swi...
Edited by This Side Down on Thursday 30th April 08:01
The clock analogy really is helpful, when stuff isn't signposted well. Look out on the way up to the roundabout for a sign indicating lane discipline.
Theres a rounabout in Leeds with 4 exits, but 3 lanes at all times round it. It is most unfathomable for learners, my mate failed his test on it twice.
Just practice, you're doing the right thing.
Theres a rounabout in Leeds with 4 exits, but 3 lanes at all times round it. It is most unfathomable for learners, my mate failed his test on it twice.
Just practice, you're doing the right thing.
This Side Down said:
come to wiltshire and see our MAGIC ROUNDABOUT!!! you will never fear roundabouts ever again!
plus.. the magic roundabout is actually very easy to navigate your way around and, once mastered, is a sinch. roundabouts often seem more daunting then they really are.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Roundabout_(Swi...
There's something similar near to Southend-on-Sea in Essex called Sadler's Farm Roundabout - its 5 'normal' roundabouts arranged around one huge roundabout.plus.. the magic roundabout is actually very easy to navigate your way around and, once mastered, is a sinch. roundabouts often seem more daunting then they really are.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Roundabout_(Swi...
Edited by This Side Down on Thursday 30th April 08:01
I used to be rubbish at roundabouts, but practice makes perfect. I recall with dread my driving test, which featured just about every roundabout in the area. Remember the simple advice given, look for lane marking to the contrary, and practice.
I grew up in Germany, and it helps massively if everyone knows what they're doing. That being said, it does take practice, Magic Roundabout is a good a place as any to get into the swing of it. I reckon it should be a main part of taking your test, as no one in the country seems to be particularly brillian at it.
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