To count roundabout exits, treat the entry point as 6 o'clock on a clock face and count each road leading off as you go, starting with the first exit on the left (1 o'clock), then the next (2 o'clock), and so on, using your indicators for each turn and always giving way to traffic from the right. The key is to count them as you go to know when to signal and move to the next lane if needed, especially on multi-lane or complex roundabouts.
You will need to note the position of the exit and the order at which you find it; assume a clock face is superimposed onto the roundabout sign; you are approaching from 6 o'clock. Left means, exit number 1 on the outside of the roundabout; doesn't matter where it is on the roundabout.
Taking the second exit on a standard 4 junction roundabout would normally mean the left hand lane, but the road marking might say the left lane is for left turn ONLY. The general rule is to watch for the roundabout sign as you approach. Imagine the picture of the roundabouit as a clock face.
In Australia, the core roundabout rule is to give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout, regardless of which side they're on, and use indicators to show your exit direction (left for first exit/straight, right for turning right/U-turn). For multi-lane roundabouts, follow lane arrows, use the left lane for left turns/straight, the right for right turns/U-turns (signalling right on approach), and signal left as you exit. Always check for cyclists and pedestrians, and remember that the vehicle entering must give way to the circulating vehicle.
The golden rule
You approach the roundabout from the 6 o'clock position, entering the roundabout by turning left so that you go around in a clockwise direction, while at the same time, giving way to traffic coming from your right, who are already on the roundabout.
The four essential rules for roundabouts are: Slow Down, Give Way to traffic already inside (including pedestrians/cyclists), Use the Correct Lane (left for left/straight, right for right/U-turn, following signs), and Signal your intention to exit by indicating left just before your exit, as noted by Transport Victoria, NSW Government, and RAC WA.
Here are the top 10 mistakes you should avoid on roundabouts:
So as we approach the roundabout to go head and take the third exit we have to decide which lane on the roundabout we need to use. Share this Video: • Roundabout Lane Guide:...
Key Takeaways:
12 o'clock rule for roundabouts
The easiest way to remember which lane you need to be in on a roundabout, is to think of the roundabout. As a clock. We split the roundabout down the middle. If the exit you require is 12 o'clock or before you need the left hand lane.
If there are three exits on a roundabout and three lanes, each lane corresponds to an exit, with the first exist being the lane furthest to the left. The second exit is the middle lane, while the third is the lane on the right. This gets a little more complicated when there are more exits than there are lanes.
Six basic sign shapes every driver must know
When taking the first exit (unless signs and markings indicate otherwise): Signal left and approach the exit in the left hand lane. Keep to the left on the roundabout and signal left to leave.
If you miss your exit, keep indicating right and go all the way around the roundabout. If the roundabout has more than four exits, look at the road markings to determine which direction is straight through. For all exits you must indicate left before you take the exit.
Some drivers may not have seen the roundabout in time to slow down sufficiently. A review of crashes at 39 roundabouts in the United States found that entering-circulating, exiting-circulating and rear-end collisions were the most common crash types (Rodegerdts et al., 2007).
The 12 second rule helps you understand how far ahead you need to scan for hazards. To tell how far 12 seconds is: pull over on a straight piece of road. start counting to 12 as a car passes you, and. take a note of how far away the car is once you get to 12.
The hardest part of a driving test is often parallel parking, cited by many new drivers and instructors as the trickiest maneuver due to precise judgment and control needed, followed closely by managing nerves, performing complex maneuvers (like right turns at intersections), and critical observations like checking blind spots around pedestrians and cyclists. Errors in observation, signaling, speed management, or failing to perform required parking or turns correctly lead to immediate failure in many tests, according to this RACV article and this EzLicence blog.
You should put your hands at 9 and 3, not 10 and 2, because modern airbags make the older 10 and 2 position dangerous, potentially injuring your hands and arms, while 9 and 3 offers better control and safety, especially for emergency maneuvers. The 10 and 2 position was for cars without power steering and airbags; now, 9 and 3 is considered standard for superior control and airbag safety.
In Australia, the core roundabout rule is to give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout, regardless of which side they're on, and use indicators to show your exit direction (left for first exit/straight, right for turning right/U-turn). For multi-lane roundabouts, follow lane arrows, use the left lane for left turns/straight, the right for right turns/U-turns (signalling right on approach), and signal left as you exit. Always check for cyclists and pedestrians, and remember that the vehicle entering must give way to the circulating vehicle.
However, driving around more than twice could be considered careless driving. If a police officer observes excessive circling, they may pull you over and investigate, potentially under suspicion of impaired driving.
Common mistakes often involve failing to yield, incorrect lane usage when entering or exiting, not signaling properly, or misjudging the speed and gaps of oncoming traffic.