Roundabouts on the Irish Driving Test
Roundabouts bring position, signals, observation, right of way and progress together in a few seconds. That's why they catch people out, and why they're worth practising step by step.
The clock method
The Rules of the Road suggests picturing the roundabout as a clock, with you arriving at 6 o'clock.
- Exits before 12 o'clock: generally approach in the left lane.
- Exits after 12 o'clock: generally approach in the right lane.
Road markings and signs beat the clock. If an arrow tells you which lane to use, follow the arrow.
Signals, exit by exit
- First exit, turning left: left lane. Signal left on the approach and keep it on until you've left.
- Straight ahead: left lane unless marked otherwise. No signal on the approach. Signal left once you pass the exit before yours.
- Later exits: right lane unless marked otherwise. Signal right on the approach. Once you pass the exit before yours, change to a left signal, move left and leave.
At the yield line
Treat it as a junction. Give way to traffic from your right and traffic already on the roundabout, but keep moving if the way is clear. Stopping at an empty roundabout is hesitation, and that's a fault too.
Leaving
Check for cyclists and motorcyclists continuing around the roundabout before you cross their path at your exit. Take extra care at every exit, not only at yours.
Practise it
The trainer takes you through each stage in order: approach, yield line, gap, exit. Scenes are set at real roundabouts near test centres, such as Kingsmeadow in Waterford.