How to Judge and Prepare for Mini Roundabouts
I have been a driving instructor for a long time now, providing driving lessons in Oxford and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years, and I have seen a huge increase in roundabouts and mini roundabouts throughout Oxford and the surrounding villages.
As a driving instructor, it is my goal to help you identify mini roundabouts and fully understanding the rules of priority and right of way. Many drivers still don’t seem to understand how a mini roundabout works and tend to drive on through without a care in the world.
During this week’s article, we’re going to work on and learn how to judge and prepare for mini roundabouts safely.
Observations to Make:
As you are driving along, its good to get to grips with the road signs anyway, but even more so if you think that a mini roundabout could soon emerge.
Signs can provide you with a lot of useful information before you arrive at the junction. Information such as which lane is needed; the direction of travel, speed and vehicle height is almost always listed.
When you approach a mini roundabout on your driving lessons in Oxford, make sure that you remember the following. Your driving instructor will be able to help you master this:
- Road Signs and Markings
- Mirrors and signalling
- Road Position
- Handling Double Mini Roundabouts
Road Signage and Markings:
When you approach a mini roundabout, start looking for any road signs or markings that could make the transition easier. Check for signs on the approach and start looking for markings, as you get closer.
Markings on the road will usually provide you with an idea of which lane is going to be going in each direction. If you are in the wrong lane, try not to correct it immediately unless it is safe to do so.
Continue your route in the lane and find a safe and suitable place to stop and turn around.
Mirrors and Signalling:
Over the 10 years that I have been a driving instructor, I have seen so many other pupils pick up bad habits from poorly trained ADI’s.
Some instructors try to create a whole new routine to go through as you approach mini roundabouts when in actual fact – its exactly the same as large ones – you just need to prepare earlier and make quicker, smarter observations.
Road Position and Speed:
A good general rule for approaching mini roundabouts is to get your speed down early so that you have enough time to prepare yourself, we find that having the car between 10-15 miles per hour is best.
Getting your position sorted early is best. If you require a signal, getting that on early will help other road users understand exactly where you intend to go.
Observations and Double Mini Roundabouts:
When you’re at a mini roundabout, it’s so important that you give way to your immediate right. You can use vehicles in the lane next to you to “block” other traffic. This gives you the perfect opportunity to go.
The trick with double mini roundabouts is the preparation and speed.
Make sure that you get your speed down in good time so that you can observe the other cars nearby. Apply the same routine as you would when approaching a large roundabout.