Hawkwell driving schools: Southend on Sea, Westcliff, Leigh, and surrounding areas.
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The following sections are all
written by Alan:
essentials
new pupil's page
best driving tips
driving test secrets
independent driving
driving on snow and ice
show me tell me
technique
general
control basics
safety drills
using the mirrors
left & right turns
one way streets
junctions
give way priority
giving warnings
zebra crossings
dual carriageways
roundabouts
mini-roundabouts
country lanes
overtaking parked cars
manoeuvres
general
reversing
parallel parking
bay parking
turn in the road
emergency stop
Hawkwell Driving School
Southend
Westcliff
Shoebury
Leigh
© 2011
Mini-roundabouts - just paint on the road:
Mini-roundabouts : There are many theories as to how the law requires you to deal with a mini roundabout. But in practice it is quite simple. There is no difference between flat or humped mini-roundabouts, and no difference between single or double give way lines on the approach. Mini-roundabouts are defined by the fact that they are only paint on the road, and do not have any kerbs or bollards. They are all treated the same.
The law (Road Traffic Act) says that "you must drive around the central markings unless the size of your vehicle or the road layout makes it impractical to do so."
In practice this means you should go around mini-roundabouts unless you have moved out to the right-hand lane to turn right, or you just can’t get around them. If you have moved out to the right, then to swing back to the left, to go around the roundabout, may cause you to hit an overtaking car on your left (photo below).
At a mini roundabout GIVE WAY to your RIGHT. This means anything that if it turns would hit your car in the driver’s door. So it includes a vehicle entering from the road to your right, a vehicle from straight ahead that is turning to its right, and even a vehicle from the left that is doing a U-turn. Anything that is in the roundabout before you, and on your right-hand side, you must give way to.
Remember also that give way does not mean “wait for”, it means “Don’t get in the way of”, which is completely different.
Example: 2 mini roundabouts in Rochford:
The first at the Fire Station, should be driven over when turning right into Rochford town from the Anne Boleyn. This is because as soon as you pull out into the right turn lane, following traffic will overtake on the left. Any movement of your vehicle to the left could move you into a passing vehicle on that side.
The second, near the station, should be driven around when turning right, from the town square, and NOT over. This is because there is no reason to drive over it. Any left turning traffic will be moving away from you on your left.
When to pull out ? The best time to pull out on a busy roundabout is when the car that you have to give way to (on your right) hesitates because he has to give way to someone on his right. Look at the roundabout as a whole and try to predict when cars coming from straight ahead will cause the cars on your right to stop.
The best time to go is usually as soon as the car on your right hesitates - if you wait too long then the crossing vehicle will have gone and the car on the right will move rapidly out behind it. Aim to be in the middle of the roundabout at the same time as the vehicle you are using as the block (ie. silver taxi in photo above).
When you approach a mini roundabout do so at a speed that will enable you stop behind the line, and to deal with any situation that arises: Maybe a car from the left that should give way but doesn’t. Or a car from the right that isn’t indicating to turn, but does anyway. If possible time your approach so that you don’t arrive at the roundabout at the same time as another vehicle that you may have to give way to. Look at other vehicle's speed, indicators, and road position, and where the driver is looking, before you make your decision to go.
When entering a busy mini roundabout you may have to be assertive to proceed. If you have to push your way in then use a two-stage technique. First of all move yourself carefully across the lane you have to give way to (your right) so that you are in the middle of the roundabout; then before proceeding any further make sure that traffic that has to give way to you (your left) is stopping for you.
Double mini roundabouts:
These should be treated as two separate roundabouts. These can be very confusing with traffic moving in all directions. As always, when you think it is OK to proceed, edge in slowly, and be prepared to stop again. Be careful, because it is very easy to not see the second give-way line. When turning right you should drive straight ahead over the first roundabout, and turn right at the 2nd (photo below). Only go around the centre markings if you are sure there is nobody on your left: In most cases you will find it necessary to go over them.
