Non-standard roundabouts

wayne0308

Hi there,

I have a quick question regarding non-standard roundabouts, of which there are quite a few in the area I intend to do my test. Most of my confusion is in regard to indicating and positioning when approaching the roundabout. The area has an unbelievable number of roundabouts so I need to be absolutely sure I'm doing the right thing.

Usually there's only one lane approaching these roundabouts, or if there are two lanes approaching it's usually clear which lane you should be in. I'm hoping anyone can point out any errors I'm making as I give examples.

Roundabout 1:
http://maps.google.ie/?ie=UTF8&ll=52.093215,-7.612807&spn=0.001272,0.008256&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=52.093214,-7.612805&panoid=ONsaNKUHfYlVQh__lKgnCw&cbp=11,283.96,,0,-2.81

This is a dangerous little roundabout because traffic from the right usually approaches at speed and is difficult to see until your right on the roundabout. You really have to approach this at a crawl.

Now the tricky exit in question is the 2nd exit. If I am approaching the roundabout from this direction and intend to take the 2nd exit do I only need to indicate left after I've passed the 1st exit? i.e. I don't need to indicate approaching the roundabout?

This can be awkward for traffic leaving from the 1st exit as they always stop until they see you indicate left.

Roundabout 2:
http://maps.google.ie/?ie=UTF8&ll=52.094787,-7.611868&spn=0.001272,0.008256&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=52.094786,-7.611866&panoid=l8aOyZNA0nT3sZtKFiMG-g&cbp=11,231.72,,0,3.22

If I'm approaching the following roundabout, from this direction (the google car is on the wrong side of the road heading away from the roundabout) and I wish to take the 1st exit, then I will indicate left and use the left lane.

If I wish to take the 2nd exit, I need to take the 2nd lane, indicating right because the 2nd exit is past the 1 O'Clock position, Is this correct? (Most people I see don't usually do this, they don't indicate but they do use the right lane).

Roundabout 3:
http://maps.google.ie/?ie=UTF8&ll=52.090908,-7.620553&spn=0.001272,0.008256&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=52.090907,-7.620555&panoid=-1Y0JWaX06fEkT0rsIZEqQ&cbp=11,18.05,,0,5.44

This roundabout from this approach is much the same situation as outlined in roundabout 2 right? If I wish to take the 2nd exit I must position to the right and indicate right as it's past the 1 O'Clock position?

Is there a best practice guide for non-standard roundabouts out there? Or even a simple set of rules or points that you can share? If so, it would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any replies and for your patience.

**Timbuk2**

Hi!

You seem to have the right idea for each of those roundabouts.

Note that Roundabout 1 and Roundabout 2 have only one lane on approach to the roundabout. As such, there is no need to position to the left or to the right. Even if there is room for two cars - I did this often in a roundabout in Dundalk, but my instructor said to stay in the middle, as if a car is to the 'left' of the lane, and I move out to his right, he still could be going right.

With Roundabout 1, you just treat it like a normal roundabout - i.e. indicate left after passing the first exit.

With roundabout 2, the right lane, while indicating right, is definitely what I'd do as it's roughly 2 o clock, BUT be wary of other cars that will take the left lane. Some might follow the "2nd exit, left lane rule" (which works on standard roundabouts, but doesn't make as much sense for non-standard ones), or as you are leaving the N25 and wish to continue onto the N25, you are technically "following the same road", so some might choose left lane. But the right lane is what I'd go for!

Same idea for Roundabout 3, only there's no need to position yourself to the right on approach. Just indicate right, then signal left while passing the first exit.

There's no 'rule' as such that always works for non-standard roundabouts. If the roundabout is a standard textbook roundabout, then you can use the Clockface rule (After 1 o clock, take the right lane. Between 7 and 1 o clock, take the left lane), or the Exit rule (1st and 2nd exit, take left lane, 3rd or subsequent exits, take the right lane).

If the roundabout is non-standard, the Exit rule doesn't work (generally). The clockface rule will work most of the time. It's the RSA approved method of approaching roundabouts.

Remember, if there are signs or road markings, they override any 'rules'. You'll often find them on roundabouts that have traffic lights - for some reason, they often seem to have odd ways of approaching them (e.g. left lane for going right and left, right lane for going right only), but it's easy once you read the road markings.

Wait until you get to 3-lane unmarked roundabouts. They aren't hard, as such, but people haven't a clue which lane to be in for most exits, especially if there are more than 4. But you can't really blame them, seeing as the Rules of the Road book doesn't bother explaining

wayne0308

Hi Timbuk2,

Thanks a million for your reply and advice. Many of the other roundabouts that tend to cause confusion on possible test routes are basically similar layouts. All that's left now is to practice, practice and practice.

J_R

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Hi!

You seem to have the right idea for each of those roundabouts.

Note that Roundabout 1 and Roundabout 2 have only one lane on approach to the roundabout. As such, there is no need to position to the left or to the right. Even if there is room for two cars - I did this often in a roundabout in Dundalk, but my instructor said to stay in the middle, as if a car is to the 'left' of the lane, and I move out to his right, he still could be going right.

With Roundabout 1, you just treat it like a normal roundabout - i.e. indicate left after passing the first exit.

With roundabout 2, the right lane, while indicating right, is definitely what I'd do as it's roughly 2 o clock, BUT be wary of other cars that will take the left lane. Some might follow the "2nd exit, left lane rule" (which works on standard roundabouts, but doesn't make as much sense for non-standard ones), or as you are leaving the N25 and wish to continue onto the N25, you are technically "following the same road", so some might choose left lane. But the right lane is what I'd go for!

Same idea for Roundabout 3, only there's no need to position yourself to the right on approach. Just indicate right, then signal left while passing the first exit.

There's no 'rule' as such that always works for non-standard roundabouts. If the roundabout is a standard textbook roundabout, then you can use the Clockface rule (After 1 o clock, take the right lane. Between 7 and 1 o clock, take the left lane), or the Exit rule (1st and 2nd exit, take left lane, 3rd or subsequent exits, take the right lane).

If the roundabout is non-standard, the Exit rule doesn't work (generally). The clockface rule will work most of the time. It's the RSA approved method of approaching roundabouts.

Remember, if there are signs or road markings, they override any 'rules'. You'll often find them on roundabouts that have traffic lights - for some reason, they often seem to have odd ways of approaching them (e.g. left lane for going right and left, right lane for going right only), but it's easy once you read the road markings.

Wait until you get to 3-lane unmarked roundabouts. They aren't hard, as such, but people haven't a clue which lane to be in for most exits, especially if there are more than 4. But you can't really blame them, seeing as the Rules of the Road book doesn't bother explaining

Hi,

Excellent answer, however.

If the roundabout has no lane markings and can just about accommodate two cars abreast then I would also discourage other cars from driving alongside and keep to the center. Just a wee bit to the left of center for straight ahead and left turns and only slightly to the right for right turns.

However in the test a person must demonstrate to the examiner that they know the basic position rules for roundabouts and they must keep left for all left turns and straight and right for all exits past 12 O'clock.

Also technically there is no such thing as following the same road through a roundabout. In fact it could be a dangerous mindset, all entrances and exits on a roundabout are exactly equal and the ony rules that governs the roundabout are the actual roundabout rules. Not where you are coming from and going to.

It is one of the potential hazard I warn my pupils about, that is, when they join a roundabout from what used to be a minor road to beware of traffic that are following the main road through, who believe they have more right of way than them. (Hasten to add, would not apply to you as from your postings appear to be well versed) But have seen it happen quite often where a person follows the main road through, ignoring other traffic.

DrivingTestTips: Brian

J_R wrote: »

to beware of traffic that are following the main road through, who believe they have more right of way than them. (Hasten to add, would not apply to you as from your postings appear to be well versed) But have seen it happen quite often where a person follows the main road through, ignoring other traffic.

This is very true. This is one of the most dangerous issues with mini roundabouts.

Just to add to the very good advice you have already received.
HGVs are entitled to drive over the painted area in the centre of the junction where necessary, so be aware of that also.