When going straight on on a roundabout, what lane should you be in?

Question

UK ANSWERERS ONLY PLEASE!

When you turn left at a roundabout you approach in the left hand lane. When you turn right at a roundabout you approach in the right hand lane. When you wish to go straight on which lane should you be in? Does it matter?

In the highway code it just says "When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout"

So does this mean either?

Answer 1

It makes no difference whatsoever. Either can be used. The majority of roundabouts have the same number of lanes at the exit as at the entrance. If you choose to be in the right hand lane and want to go straight over, you need to be careful where the exit has only one lane, because there may be someone approaching the roundabout in the left hand lane next to you also wanting that exit. Overall I would say it's safer to be in the left hand lane.

Answer 2

Roundabout Lanes

Answer 3

In most cases, the left lane will be safest and easiest. However, there are particular roundabouts where the markings on the road indicate that you have to use different lanes. For instance, a three-exit roundabout on a Dual Carriageway in Norwich, where both lanes can be used to turn left (!), but only the right lane can be used to take the other exits (i.e. "straight on, which is sort-of-right" or "back the way you came"), so the rulebook can be thrown out of the window when sheer weight of traffic requires it.
May I recommend observing lane markings carefully on the approach to UK roundabouts at all costs, and if you're doing your driving test, make sure you've taken time to go through the routes carefully beforehand, and work out where you can, and can't go.

The highway code answer would generally be left lane for left and straight on, right for right, unless there are two lanes coming off for straight on, in which case you could choose to turn from the outside lane if a slower vehicle was already in the left lane.

Answer 4

The best lane to take is the empty one. Remember what you instructor told you and apply a dash of common sense. When you have the choice of more than one lane use the one most suited for the conditions at that time. Use your mirrors and indicators to inform others of your intentions and remember it's a roundabout not Bran's Hatch. If you use just the left lane other drivers may assume you are leaving the roundabout at the next exit and pull out in front of you.

Answer 5

Its usually says left hand lane, so on the outside of the roundabout, and do not indicate until leaving the roundabout, If its a mini roundabout and there's no lane indication then hog the entrance lane, and middle of roundabout lane. I hope thats right, Im in the middle of sitting driving lessons and just passed my theory lol

Answer 6

As the majority of posters have said, left lane, or if more than 3 lanes use lane 1 or 2. Best tip I can give is; forward planning & observation, ie if vehicles in left lane are all indicating left, choose the other lane ,and leave as normal. Unless , like me, you drive an artic ,then I HAVE to take as much room as necessary to negotiate said obstacle. One word of caution, if you are behind any left hand drive foreign registered trucks,(not me!) hold back, cos the are a law unto themselves, staying in the left lane ,and going all the way round - without indicating!- before indicating to get off - usually at the wrong exit!! Sorry I've gone off on one again! It's me age!! and the medication aint working

Answer 7

when you approach the roundabout if there's only two lanes keep to the left lane as the right lane is for going right only.however if you approach the roundabout and there's 3 lanes you would use the middle lane or as directed by the road markings.hope this makes things clearer.

Answer 8

Hi there.
The rule for roundabouts with two lanes approaching, is left hand lane for left and straight, right hand lane for straight and right, unless indicated otherwise.
You need to indicate correctly to exit.
Cheers, Steve.

Answer 9

i was taught that to look at sigh as you approach roundabout as a clock face , any junction before 12 o, clock approach in left hand lane , past 12 right hand lane

Answer 10

Depends on the roundabout. Some have only one lane - others which have multiple exits are usually well signed and marked. It is safest to stay in the inside lane if you don't know the roundabout.