Learning How to Deal With Double Roundabouts

How to Use a Large Double Roundabout

We’ll assume you are:

• approaching on a dual carriageway, and
• turning right at both roundabouts (third exit each time).

1. A – Approach
   As you approach the first roundabout, check your interior mirror, then your right mirror, and signal right.
   Move into the right-hand lane. If you are changing from the left lane, check your right blind spot before signalling and before moving across.
2. B – Join the First Roundabout
   At the give-way line, look to the right. When it is safe, join the roundabout using the inside (right) lane.
3. C – Prepare to Exit the First Roundabout
   Just after passing the second exit, check your interior mirror and left mirror, then check your left blind spot and signal left.
   Cross safely into the left lane to leave at the third exit.
4. D – Between the Two Roundabouts
   After leaving the first roundabout, stay in the right-hand lane if you will be turning right again at the second roundabout. This sets you up correctly for the next approach.
5. E – Approach the Second Roundabout
   Once again, check the interior mirror and right mirror and signal right as you approach the second roundabout.
6. F – Give Way
   At the second give-way line, give way to traffic from the right.
7. G – Join the Second Roundabout
   When clear, enter using the inside (right) lane again.
8. H – Exit the Second Roundabout
   Just after the second exit, check your interior mirror, left mirror and left blind spot, then signal left and move safely into the left lane to leave at the third exit.
9. I – After the Exit
   Once you have taken the exit, make sure your indicator has cancelled so it doesn’t confuse other drivers.

Multi-Lane Double Roundabouts

Some very large double roundabouts have more than two lanes. In these cases, always:

• read the road signs early, and
• follow the lane arrows and markings on the road.

If you realise you are in the wrong lane, it is better to stay safe and follow the lane, then re-route, than to force a dangerous lane change.

Double Mini Roundabouts

Double mini roundabouts are usually found on busy residential roads where space is tight but traffic flow needs controlling.

They can look confusing at first, but the rule is simple:

• treat each mini roundabout as a separate junction.

Approach slowly and:

• watch other vehicles’ indicators,
• look at the angle of their car to guess where they are going, and
• always be ready to give way to the right.

In the example shown, the yellow car wants to turn left at the second mini roundabout but must give way to the orange car approaching from the right and turning right.

Because the two roundabouts are close together:

• keep your speed very low,
• cover the brake, and
• only commit to moving when you are sure it is safe.

Double Mini Roundabouts and Cyclists

Cyclists can be unpredictable and may not always signal their intentions with arm signals.

When dealing with double mini roundabouts:

• approach slowly so you have time to see what cyclists are doing,
• do not try to squeeze past them on or near the roundabout, and
• wait until they have cleared the junction before overtaking.

Patience here is much safer – and it will look better on your driving test.

Related Roundabout Guides and Tutorials

• Roundabouts – full guide
• Mini roundabouts