Quick Answer
When approaching a roundabout in Victoria, slow down, choose the correct lane and give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
Your indicator depends on where you intend to exit:
- Turning left: Signal left before entering.
- Going straight ahead: Normally do not signal when entering.
- Turning right or making a U-turn: Signal right before entering.
- When leaving: Signal left where practical.
The most important rule is not simply to look to the right. You must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout that may create a collision risk.
Introduction
Roundabouts are a common source of confusion for learner drivers.
Some learners focus only on looking to the right. Others believe that every vehicle approaching from the right automatically has priority. Some signal incorrectly because they judge the exit by its physical direction rather than their intended movement through the roundabout.
A safe roundabout approach requires more than memorising one rule.
You need to understand:
- Who you must give way to
- Which lane to choose
- When to signal
- How to select a safe gap
- How to control your speed
- How to exit without affecting other road users
During driving lessons, I often remind students that roundabouts should be planned before the vehicle reaches the give-way line. Late decisions usually lead to incorrect signalling, poor lane position or rushed gap selection.
What Is a Roundabout?
A roundabout is an intersection where traffic travels around a central island.
Vehicles normally travel clockwise around roundabouts in Australia.
At the entrance, you will usually see:
- A roundabout sign
- A give-way line
- Directional arrows or lane markings
- A central island
Roundabouts may be:
- Small single-lane roundabouts
- Large single-lane roundabouts
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Roundabouts controlled by road markings or traffic lights
Although the size and layout may vary, the same basic principles apply: approach under control, give way correctly and follow the appropriate lane and signalling rules.
Who Has Priority at a Roundabout?
You must give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
This does not mean you must automatically stop for every vehicle approaching from your right.
The key question is:
Is the other vehicle already in the roundabout, and could entering create a collision risk?
A vehicle approaching quickly from the right may affect your decision, even if it has not yet crossed the give-way line. However, the rule should not be simplified into “the vehicle on the right always has priority.”
You need to judge the whole traffic situation.
This includes:
- The position of the other vehicle
- Its speed
- Whether it has entered the roundabout
- Its likely path
- The size of the roundabout
- Whether your movement would cause another driver to brake or change direction
Approaching a Roundabout
A good roundabout approach begins early.
As you approach:
- Identify the roundabout.
- Check road signs and lane arrows.
- Decide which exit you need.
- Choose the correct lane.
- Signal where required.
- Reduce your speed.
- Observe traffic and pedestrians.
- Enter only when safe.
Do not wait until the give-way line to begin making decisions.
Early preparation gives you time to position the vehicle correctly and select a safe gap without rushing.
Speed Control
You should approach at a speed that allows you to stop if necessary.
This does not mean you must stop at every roundabout.
If the roundabout is clearly safe, you may continue smoothly without coming to a complete stop. However, your speed must still allow you to respond to:
- Vehicles already in the roundabout
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Limited visibility
- Vehicles entering unexpectedly
- Tight or unfamiliar road layouts
A common learner mistake is approaching too quickly and then braking heavily near the line.
A better approach is to reduce speed earlier and maintain control.
Turning Left at a Roundabout
When taking the first exit on the left:
- Approach in the left lane unless signs or markings say otherwise.
- Signal left before entering.
- Give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
- Maintain a safe lane position.
- Continue signalling left as you exit.
Avoid turning too tightly and mounting the kerb.
You should also check for pedestrians and cyclists near the exit.
Going Straight Ahead
When travelling straight through a roundabout, you normally do not signal when entering.
Approach in the lane indicated by road markings. At a simple single-lane roundabout, this will normally be the available lane.
After passing the exit before yours, signal left where practical to show that you are leaving.
For example, if you are taking the second exit:
- Enter without signalling.
- Pass the first exit.
- Signal left.
- Leave at the second exit.
At a very small roundabout, there may not be enough time to signal left before leaving. The law recognises that the exit signal is required where practical.
Safety and vehicle control should not be sacrificed to force a late signal.
Turning Right at a Roundabout
When turning right:
- Approach in the right lane unless signs or arrows allow another lane.
- Signal right before entering.
- Give way to traffic already in the roundabout.
- Follow the correct lane around the central island.
- After passing the exit before yours, signal left.
- Exit smoothly into the correct lane.
Do not cut across lanes or drift towards the outside of the roundabout too early.
At a multi-lane roundabout, follow the lane markings throughout the movement.
Making a U-Turn
A U-turn at a roundabout is generally treated similarly to a right turn.
You should:
- Use the appropriate right lane
- Signal right before entering
- Travel around the roundabout
- Signal left before leaving where practical
Before making a U-turn, confirm that:
- There is no sign prohibiting it
- Your lane allows the movement
- You can complete it safely
- Your vehicle can remain within the correct lane
Small Roundabouts
Small residential roundabouts can create uncertainty because the exits may be close together.
The basic signalling rules still apply, but the timing may be shorter.
For straight-ahead travel:
- Do not signal when entering.
- Signal left when leaving if practical.
Do not perform an unsafe or rushed signal simply because the roundabout is small.
Your first priority remains safe steering, observation and vehicle control.
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
Multi-lane roundabouts require earlier planning.
Before entering, check:
- Lane arrows
- Road signs
- Painted lane lines
- Which lane leads to your exit
Do not assume that the left lane is only for left turns or that the right lane is always required for straight-ahead travel. Follow the specific road markings.
Once inside the roundabout:
- Stay within your lane
- Avoid drifting across lane lines
- Monitor vehicles beside you
- Signal correctly before leaving
- Follow spiral or directional markings where provided
Changing lanes inside a roundabout should be avoided unless it is necessary, legal and safe.
Choosing a Safe Gap
Safe gap selection is one of the most important roundabout skills.
You need enough space to enter without causing another road user to:
- Brake suddenly
- Slow significantly
- Change lanes
- Change direction
- Take evasive action
Do not enter simply because the vehicle behind you is waiting.
Equally, do not wait for the entire roundabout to become completely empty if a safe gap is clearly available.
Good gap selection comes from observing early and judging the speed and path of other vehicles.
Observation at Roundabouts
Do not stare only to the right.
You also need to observe:
- The road ahead
- Vehicles already in the roundabout
- Lane markings
- Pedestrians near the entrance and exit
- Cyclists
- Vehicles beside you
- The exit you intend to take
Your observation should move continuously between these areas.
Focusing too heavily on one direction can lead to poor steering or missed hazards elsewhere.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Roundabouts may place pedestrians and cyclists close to turning traffic.
Before entering or leaving, look for:
- Pedestrians crossing near the road
- Cyclists travelling beside your vehicle
- Bicycle lanes near the exit
- Cyclists already inside the roundabout
A driver may be focused on finding a gap and forget to check the exit.
Continue observing throughout the entire movement.
Common Roundabout Mistakes
Believing the Right Always Has Priority
This oversimplifies the rule.
You give way to vehicles already in the roundabout. Your decision must be based on whether entering would create a collision risk.
Approaching Too Fast
Excessive speed reduces the time available to observe and choose a safe gap.
Slow down early enough to remain in control.
Stopping When the Roundabout Is Clear
Unnecessary stopping can affect traffic flow and may show poor observation.
You should be prepared to stop, but you do not need to stop if the path is clearly safe.
Entering an Unsafe Gap
Some learners feel pressure from vehicles behind them and enter too early.
The driver behind does not make the safety decision for you.
Wait until the gap is genuinely safe.
Incorrect Signalling
Common signalling errors include:
- Signalling right when going straight
- Forgetting to signal left when leaving
- Signalling too late
- Leaving the right indicator on while exiting
- Choosing the signal based only on the visual angle of the road
Your signal should communicate your intended movement clearly.
Poor Lane Position
At multi-lane roundabouts, learners may drift across lane markings or cut into another vehicle’s path.
Choose the correct lane before entering and follow the markings.
Looking Only to the Right
Traffic from the right is important, but it is not the only hazard.
You must also monitor the entrance, exit, pedestrians, cyclists and your lane position.
Rushing Because Another Driver Is Waiting
Do not allow pressure from behind to affect your judgement.
A safe decision is more important than entering quickly.
Roundabouts During the Victorian Driving Test
During the Victorian driving test, the examiner may assess:
- Your approach speed
- Observation
- Gap selection
- Lane choice
- Signalling
- Lane position
- Compliance with signs and markings
- Your ability to exit safely
The examiner is not looking only for a memorised routine.
They want to see that you understand the traffic situation and make safe decisions independently.
A learner may signal correctly but still create danger by choosing an unsafe gap. Another learner may enter safely but lose marks because of poor lane position or missed observation.
The whole movement matters.
How to Improve at Roundabouts
Plan Earlier
Identify your exit and lane before reaching the roundabout.
Late planning causes rushed decisions.
Practise Different Roundabouts
Do not practise only one familiar layout.
Include:
- Small residential roundabouts
- Busy single-lane roundabouts
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Roundabouts with unusual lane markings
This helps you understand the principles rather than memorise one location.
Say the Plan Before Entering
During early lessons, it may help to identify:
- Which exit you need
- Which lane to use
- Which signal is required
- Which vehicles may affect you
As your confidence improves, this process should become automatic.
Review Gap Decisions
After passing through a roundabout, consider:
- Was the gap safe?
- Did another vehicle need to slow?
- Did I hesitate unnecessarily?
- Did I maintain control?
- Was my signal clear?
Understanding the reason behind a decision helps you improve faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always give way to vehicles on my right?
No. You must give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
However, you should still consider vehicles approaching from the right if entering would create a collision risk.
Do I signal when going straight?
Normally, you do not signal when entering to travel straight ahead.
Signal left before leaving where practical.
Must I stop before entering a roundabout?
No.
You must give way and be prepared to stop, but you may continue if the roundabout is clearly safe.
Which lane should I use?
Follow the road signs and lane arrows.
For a simple layout, the left lane is commonly used for left turns and the right lane for right turns, but markings may allow different movements.
Can I change lanes inside a roundabout?
Only where it is legal, necessary and safe.
Whenever possible, choose the correct lane before entering and remain within it.
What happens if I miss my exit?
Continue around safely and take the exit on the next opportunity.
Do not make a sudden lane change or cut across another vehicle.
Do I need to signal left when exiting a small roundabout?
Signal left where practical.
On a very small roundabout, there may not be enough time to do so safely.
Will I fail the test for one signalling mistake?
The result depends on the situation, repetition and level of risk.
Focus on building consistent habits rather than trying to predict whether one error automatically causes a failure.
Final Thoughts
Roundabouts become easier when you stop treating them as a single rule and begin understanding the complete driving process.
A safe roundabout movement requires:
- Early planning
- Correct lane selection
- Controlled speed
- Proper observation
- Safe gap selection
- Clear signalling
- Good lane position
You do not need to rush, and you do not need to wait until the entire roundabout is empty.
Observe the traffic, understand who may affect your path and enter only when it is safe.
The goal is not simply to pass through the roundabout. It is to communicate clearly and complete the movement without creating risk for other road users.