What is the 12 o'clock rule on roundabouts?

As a general rule of thumb: If the exit is positioned before '12 o'clock' on the roundabout sign, you'll need the left-hand lane. This is usually for turning left or going straight on — but not always. If the exit is positioned after '12 o'clock' on the roundabout sign, you'll need the right-hand lane.

What is 12 o'clock rule?

Turns that occur at roundabouts can be described by imagining the roundabout to be a clock face. • Any turn that exits the roundabout before 12 o'clock can be considered a left turn. - Use your left indicator as you approach and enter the roundabout. - Remain in the left lane as you complete your turn.

What is the general rule for roundabouts?

The most important rule – when entering a roundabout, give way to traffic on the roundabout, unless road markings or signs say otherwise. If the way is clear keep moving. Stopping at a clear roundabout slows traffic and can cause frustrating delays.

What are the new rules for driving at a roundabout?

All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts.

What signal should you give when your going straight ahead at a roundabout?

Going straight ahead at roundabout. Before entering a roundabout if going straight ahead you do not signal. You signal left to leave once passed the exit before your exit.

Roundabouts for the Driving Test in Ireland - 12 o clock rule - Golden rule

Do you have to signal left when going straight on a roundabout?

If you want to drive straight ahead on a roundabout: You can approach without signalling. But make sure you signal left as you exit if it's practical to do so. Turn your indicator off after you've exited.

Do you indicate when going straight over a roundabout?

If you're going straight over, you don't need to indicate just yet. You also need to indicate when you're leaving the roundabout. When going straight over, this means that you need to start indicating left once you've passed the exit before the one you want.

What lane should I be in for 2nd exit on a roundabout?

If there are three exits on a roundabout and three lanes, each lane corresponds to an exit, with the first exist being the lane furthest to the left. The second exit is the middle lane, while the third is the lane on the right.

How many times can you legally go around a roundabout UK?

In the land of roundabouts aka UK, there is no law regarding the number of times you can drive around a roundabout. Although if someone kept driving around the same roundabout the police could view this as dangerous driving.

How many times can you go around a roundabout before it's illegal?

How Many Times Can You Legally Go Around a Roundabout? There is no legal limit to the number of times that you can travel around a roundabout. However, circling a roundabout more than twice may be considered careless driving. You should always try to exit a roundabout correctly after you first enter it.

Who has priority on roundabouts?

When reaching a roundabout you should: Always give priority to the traffic coming from the right, unless you have been directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights. Check if the road markings allow you to proceed without giving way (always look right before joining just in case)

What is the rule H2 at roundabouts?

Rule H2.

At a junction, drivers and motorcyclists must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.

How do you know which lane to use on a roundabout?

Which lane is a 3 lane roundabout?

Sometimes you will see road markings that say you can use the left hand lane and the middle lane on a 3 lane roundabout to go ahead. Unless you are overtaking, use the lane to the left as possible. As a general rule you should slow your car down to 20-25mph on the approach to a big roundabout.

Why do we use 12 for time?

The 12-hour clock can be traced back as far as Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Both an Egyptian sundial for daytime use and an Egyptian water clock for night-time use were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep I. Dating to c. 1500 BC, these clocks divided their respective times of use into 12 hours each.

Why does the clock only go to 12?

In Mesopotamia the year was divided into 12 based on lunar patterns, which coincided with the 12 zodiac signs, which may have prompted the emergence of the 12-hour clock introduced by the Babylonians.

Is it illegal to drive round a roundabout three times?

There is no evidence to support this, other than the 'careless driving' argument. You should plan before you enter a roundabout and circling more than twice could be considered as careless driving. It is however, illegal to drive over a mini-roundabout, as they must be treated as an island in the road.

Is it illegal to reverse out of your driveway UK?

When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can”. As this is not a “must” rule, then it is not illegal to reverse into a main road as such, but is something that is discouraged, and if done in a way that is dangerous could lead to a charge of driving without due care and attention.

Is it illegal to wait on a roundabout?

It is not against the law to stop on a roundabout unless there is a yellow box located on the roundabout. It is necessary on a busy roundabout to get your place on the roundabout even if it means stopping on the roundabout itself.

When should you use the inside lane on a roundabout?

If you want to take the second exit or the one opposite, ideally when you join the roundabout you are on the inside lane so as not to disturb other drivers and, when you approach your exit, you join the outer lane after signalling.

Is there a speed limit on roundabouts in the UK?

Where several roads with different speed limits enter a roundabout, the roundabout should be restricted at the same level as the majority of the approach roads. If there is an equal division, for example where a 30 mph road crosses one with a limit of 40 mph, the roundabout itself should take the lower limit.

What are the rules for 5 exit roundabouts?

For instance, if you are taking the fourth exit of a 5-exit roundabout with 3 lanes you should enter the middle lane. Stay in this lane until you pass the third exit and then signal left and move to the outer lane and your desired exit.

What is the first exit of a roundabout?

The first exit, as explained earlier, is the one to your immediate left. Now, if there is a slip road, or a slip lane available, it is easier, as you do not need to enter the roundabout.

What to do if you miss your exit on a roundabout?

If you miss your exit, keep indicating right and go all the way around the roundabout. If the roundabout has more than four exits, look at the road markings to determine which direction is straight through. For all exits you must indicate left before you take the exit.

How should you single if you are going straight ahead at a roundabout?

Unless road markings indicate otherwise, you should use the left lane when going straight ahead. There's no need to signal on approach. Make sure you stay in your lane as you go around the roundabout. When you've passed the exit before the one you need to take, signal left and exit.