For the second exit at a roundabout (which is usually straight ahead), you should generally be in the left lane, signaling left as you exit, unless road signs or markings clearly instruct you to use the right lane, in which case you'd enter right, stay right, and signal left before exiting. Always follow signs and lane markings, as they override general rules, and give way to traffic from the right.
Exiting the motorway is just as important as joining it. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to move into the left-hand lane well before your exit safely.
If you want to take the second exit you have to take the middle lane and once in the roundabout move to the right lane, where the arrow indicate you must exit, you could also take the left lane but you'd probably end up cutting other cars on your way to the exit.
If you're taking a right turn at a roundabout, (typically the 3rd exit), you'll need to travel around it from the right-hand lane.
For roundabouts with multiple lanes:
choose your entry or exit lane based on your destination. For example: Turn right at the intersection, choose the right-hand lane and exit in the right-hand lane.
If you are taking the first exit you should always be in the lane furthest to the left. If you are taking the last exit, or if you need to go all the way around and double back on yourself, you should be in the lane furthest to the right. This always applies, even on roundabouts with only two lanes and multiple exists.
Failing to give way:
This is by far the most common mistake drivers make on roundabouts. Remember, drivers already in the roundabout have the right of way, so give way to them before entering.
Left Turn - 1st Exit. Straight on - 2nd Exit. Right Turn - 3rd Exit.
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.
If you realise you're in the wrong lane, only change if it is clearly safe using mirrors, blind spot and a signal. If not safe, stay in the lane and take a different exit – this will not fail your test if it's done safely. On approach, keep checking right and ahead so you don't drift out of your lane.
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.
While accidents occur less often in the middle lane than in the right lane, they're more common in the middle lane than in the left lane. One benefit of driving in the middle lane is the availability of space to maneuver on both sides to escape from possible accidents.
Before the Test
Keep left unless overtaking
making a U-turn. not turning left and there's a 'Left lane must turn left' sign or traffic lights with a left arrow signal. avoiding an obstruction. driving in traffic that's stopped or travelling slowly in the left lane.
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.
Using roundabouts
When you approach a roundabout, you must slow down or stop to give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout. This means giving way to vehicles already in the roundabout on your right, and vehicles that have entered the roundabout from your left or from directly opposite you.
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 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.
When I say four lane I mean four lanes, meaning two going in each direction. On a two lane highway there is one lane going each way.
Avoid failure to yield
To proceed into the roundabout, entering drivers must yield to all traffic from the left, waiting until all traffic from the left is clear. Entering drivers are not permitted to enter alongside cross traffic, because both lanes of cross traffic are allowed to exit the roundabout.
Hesitation. If you're unsure when to pull out of a junction, or at a roundabout, you won't fail for not going at the first viable opportunity. Try to keep your cool and pull out the next time it's safe to do so. You won't get a minor for holding up the flow of traffic if you miss the chance once, or even twice.
Failure to Yield: Failure to yield is the most common cause of accidents in roundabouts. Drivers must yield to traffic that is already in the roundabout. Unfortunately, confusion or impatience often leads to errors.