Why are we driving in a roundabout?
Before we go into our tips and tricks, which we hope will help you become a good driver even in traffic circles, we thought we'd quickly explain why. The first and foremost reason we drive in roundabouts is to avoid driving through a difficult junction.
Advantages of the circulation area
It is precisely at these locations that a roundabout is often built instead. What makes it easier when you have a roundabout versus a regular intersection is that the rules for how to drive in a roundabout - not least who has the right to exit first - are always the same.
In a roundabout, the person coming from the left always has the right to go first, while those coming from the right should wait for you to go through. If it's an intersection instead, the rules can be a bit different - the right of way, the right of way, the stop, and so on. Other benefits of roundabouts, and reasons why we have and drive through them, are reduced speed and smoother traffic flow.
Simple tips - fix the circulation plate drive
So what is the best way to enter, drive through and exit a roundabout? How do you become a good driver in the roundabout? Below we share our absolute top tips, as well as listing the most important things you should be thinking about!
How to drive inside the roundabout
As we mentioned earlier, it is always the person coming from the left in the roundabout who has the right to drive first. Keeping this in mind reduces the risk of causing annoyance, stress or even danger and injury due to wrong decisions. However, before you get that far, you should be aware of how you drive into as well as how you drive inside a traffic circle.
- Always follow signs or road markings that show which lane or lane you should stay in to get where you're going (even though there's no law about it) - often the left-hand lane is best if you're turning left at a roundabout, and so on
- Show well in advance where you are going to position yourself before entering that lane
- Flash left to turn left and right to turn right
- If you are changing lanes inside the roundabout, always flash your lights in the direction you are going, and then look in the rear-view mirror and kill the angle before changing lanes
- To avoid risks, do an extra lap or wait for your turn if the lane is not clear
How to drive out of a traffic circle - rules
Once you're in the circulation area and getting out, it's important to get it right there too. It's important to always signal to the right before you turn out, so that both drivers behind and drivers about to enter the roundabout can clearly see where you're going.
Remember to turn in good time, and to always check - both rear view mirror and blind spot - that the field is clear before you actually turn out. This is especially true if you have to change to the right-hand lane before exiting, for example in a two-lane roundabout or when you are about to enter a roundabout with an exit lane.
Important: keep your distance!
Last but not least, we would like to advise you of a very important thing to make you a good and safe driver in the traffic circles. And that is to keep your distance. Always keep a good distance from the car in front of you, whatever the road conditions. This will reduce the risk of danger, accident and injury.
At Jarla Trafikskola, we will train you with the important skills for your driving licence. Book your personalised driving lessons with us today!