Roundabout tips

[yakkyok]

Recently passed my test (first time) but now the real driving begins. I'm finding busy, fast roundabouts quite difficult. Obviously I will practice more but any top tips?

Traffic comes in waves - notice when there is a rush of cars, then a gap (may be very short), then the next rush.

Give way to anyone on the right not just as you join but all the way round, otherwise you'll force people to stay going round and miss their exit.

If you're really anxious, go out before 6am and practice driving routes you'll use regularly when it's quieter.

Don't allow the person behind you to dictate how you drive your car, esp with regards speed.

Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front.

Assume a BMW or Audi will not be driven reasonably, or any SUV.

Make sure you're in the correct lane on your approach. If in doubt, go in the lane furthest to the right (in the UK) - you can always go round the roundabout again if you're in the wrong lane. Don't assume that left lane means first exit and right lane means exits further round, you need to read the signs and road markings.

When there's heavy rain and flooding the water usually collects on the inside of the roundabout because of the camber of the road. This can be much deeper than it looks and is best avoided.

You need to be committed when getting onto a roundabout. If there's no gap you can't go, but you should go as soon as possible. A lot of new or nervous drivers wait too long for a big gap. Often the "gun it and run it" approach is no more dangerous than being overly-cautious. If say you're in the left lane, and the lorry in the lane to your right is moving, you can go even if you can't see the traffic. If someone is coming they'll smash into the lorry first.

My instructor taught me to watch for the gap rather than watch the cars at a roundabout, I still find I think that way.