Is it necessary to indicate on the approach to roundabouts with exits between 9 and 3 o clock? (UK only)?

Question

Hi all.

I'm currently learning to drive, and when I had my last lesson with my instructor we did roundabouts. I think I've pretty much got them sorted, but I can't remember if it is necessary to indicate on the approach to a roundabout which has multiple exits between 9 and 3 o clock?

Let me give you an example. You're approaching a roundabout at the 6 o clock position and the roundabout has 4 exits.
Exit 1 is at 9 o clock.
Exit 2 is at 11 o clock.
Exit 3 is at 1 o clock.
Exit 4 is at 3 o clock.

Now I know that I would need to indicate left to take exit 1 (9 o clock position), and I know that I need to indicate right to take exit 4 (3 o clock position), but what about exit 2 and 3? Would I need to give an indication on the approach, or could it confuse people?
I think my instructor told me that it is NOT necessary to indicate on the approach to a roundabout with a layout like this, but I can't remember.

Some roundabouts have 2 exits, one at 11 o clock and one at 1 o clock, should I be indicating on those?
I know which lanes to get into, etc. It's just indicating on the approach to roundabouts which is confusing me.

Answer 1

While I have to agree with Britbloke it would be more beneficial to other drivers approaching the roundabout if people indicated right while approaching and navigating the roundabout (unless they are taking the first exit) until passing the exit prior to their desired exit and then indicated left.

As a HGV driver there is nothing more annoying than trying to keep the momentum of a 44 tonne lorry going and having to stop, change down 16 gears, pull off again back up through the 16 gears and use large amounts of fuel while doing so, all because someone didn't indicate their intentions.

As I said, I agree with Britbloke and you should do as your instructor tells you, he or she will know.

Good luck with your test

Hope this helps

Answer 2

You will only indicate left on approach if you are going to take the first exit. If you are going to take the second exit, don't indicate on approach, wait until you are passing the first exit, then mirrors and signal left to show you are taking the next (2nd) exit.



On the roundabout you describe, signal right on approach if you are planning to take the 1 o clock exit and change your signal to a left as you are passing the 2nd exit. This is a general observation and will depend upon the layout lane markings of the particular roundabout. It may be, for example, that lane markings show the 3rd exit to be a 'straight ahead', in which case no indication would be required on approach.



Hope that helps a little bit! So simply - don't indicate on approach for exit 2, do indicate on approach for exit 3.



EDIT: If you think you and your instructor know the answer, why are you asking the question in here? What you also must know is that any signal mustn't mis-lead other road users - so it's not always black and white. As long as everyone else is clear what you are doing, that's fine.

Answer 3

Yes,

You indicate left for exit 2 after passing exit 1.

You indicate left for exit 3 after passing exit 2.

Answer 4

It is a bit of a grey area except when the lanes are marked with arrows when the rule is if the marking is an arrow only showing a right or left turn then indicate accordingly.



The highway code quote you have added actually is quite self explanatory and clear to me.

Answer 5

In both examples I would say indicate left for the 9 and/or 11 and right for the 1 and/or 3, bearing in mind any lane markings and indicating left when leaving on the 11, 1 or 3.





Follow the Driving Instructor - I did my test nearly 50 yrs ago!

Answer 6

You MUST indicate to exit on ALL roundabout exits.

Answer 7

It is necessary to indicate when other road users are near by.