You should enter a roundabout at a slow, controlled speed, often around 15-25 mph (20-40 km/h), depending on conditions, slowing enough to safely yield to traffic already inside, which typically means giving way to vehicles coming from your right. Slow down significantly as you approach, even if the posted limit is higher, to give yourself time to assess gaps, check mirrors, and be ready to stop if needed, ensuring you don't enter when it's unsafe.
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.
When you approach a roundabout:
You'll know a single lane roundabout is coming up when you see a yellow sign with circular arrows and a speed limit. Most roundabouts have a speed limit of 15 to 20 mph.
When entering a roundabout, you must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. You must also continue to use your indicators if you intend to turn left or right or make a u-turn.
For single-lane roundabouts, you should always approach at the posted speed limit. However, for multi-lane roundabouts, you may need to adjust your speed depending on which lane you are in. If you are in the innermost lane, you will need to exit the roundabout at the first opportunity.
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.
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.
Vehicles that are inside and circulating through the roundabout always have the right of way. Motorists or bicyclists who want to enter the roundabout must yield to all lanes and wait for a safe gap in circulating traffic to enter the roundabout.
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.
Correct roundabout procedure
Roundabouts Rules
If a multilane roundabout, choose your lane based on your intended exit. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be ready to stop at the crosswalk. Signal left or right to warn other drivers if you intend on turning at the roundabout (no signal if you plan to proceed straight through the roundabout).
“According to road rule 77, all vehicles in a built-up area, in the left lane or left line of traffic, or in a bicycle lane are required to give way to a bus entering traffic from the far left side of traffic that is displaying a 'Give Way to Buses' sign and their right indicator is displayed,” a spokesperson from the ...
Signal Right When You're Nearing Your Exit
If the roundabout is small and you're taking the first exit, you should signal right as you approach the roundabout. Once you're on the roundabout and you're taking the next exit, you should signal right to communicate to other drivers that you're leaving the roundabout.
Australian Road Rule 25 primarily sets the default speed limit when no signs apply, typically 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h elsewhere, but recent updates in some states (like SA) also introduce a specific 25 km/h speed limit when passing stopped breakdown service vehicles with flashing amber lights for worker safety, a rule not in the national template but adopted locally.
To the guy driving this car, please slow down, get into the correct lane if you intend on turning right.... speeding, not giving way and cutting across in the middle of the roundabout so you can turn right was so dangerous to myself and the other road users around you.
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.
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.
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.
5 Common Driving Test Mistakes to Avoid
Speed: Start bringing your speed down nice and early. Because you must give way to traffic coming from the right, you need to see what's coming from the right on the roundabout. You also need to keep an eye on where you're going. You won't get this right if you don't slow down!
Roundabouts can handle heavy traffic volumes effectively, provided they are properly designed for the specific location. Single-lane roundabouts work well in areas with moderate traffic, while multi-lane roundabouts are better suited for high-traffic intersections.