Most learners and new drivers will tell you that roundabouts are one of the hardest things to master and we have so many roundabouts around here of all shapes and sizes. Like anything else, once you know what you’re doing and you get the hang of them, you’ll become comfortable with them and see how efficient they are. The knowing what to do is the theory of it, getting the hang of roundabouts in a car is putting that knowledge into practice.
Look for blockers; when you’re waiting to enter larger roundabouts, blockers will be a bus or a truck in the lane to your right who’s also looking for a gap. Look for the gaps on the roundabout, not the cars. On mini-roundabouts the blockers are vehicles coming from the left or from ahead that when entering the roundabout will shield you from the priority cars for long enough to give you time if you’re quick to get on the mini-roundabout. If there’s only one blocker you might need to speed up to get there in time. It’s easier if there’s 2 or 3. Something bigger and slow like a bus or a truck as a blocker.
I have many partly-trained learners come to me who are doing all the right things, but at the wrong time. A few timing tweaks and enough practice and it all falls into place. It’s lovely to see that moment when a new skill clicks into place for a pupil.
Do you know how to use this spiral roundabout? There’s quite a few like this around here.
Book a lesson with me and let me help you to truly master roundabouts
Sorry mate, I didn’t see you there
