Roundabouts in the theory test: lanes, signals, who gives way and mini-roundabouts

At a roundabout you give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs, road markings or traffic lights direct you otherwise. That is rule 185 of the Highway Code, and it is the starting point for most roundabout questions in the theory test.

Where the rules are

Roundabouts are covered in rules 184 to 190, in the "Using the road" section of the Highway Code (Highway Code: using the road, 159 to 203). Every fact on this page comes from that section.

On the approach (rule 184)

Rule 184 tells you to take notice of all the information available: traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings that direct you into the correct lane. It says to use Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre at all stages and to:

• decide as early as possible which exit you need;
• give an appropriate signal, timed so as not to confuse other road users;
• get into the correct lane;
• adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic;
• be aware of the speed and position of all road users around you.

Who gives way (rule 185)

When reaching the roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise. The rule adds three points:

1. Check whether road markings allow you to enter without giving way. If so, you can proceed, but still look right before joining.
2. Watch for other road users already on the roundabout, who may not be signalling correctly or at all.
3. Look forward before moving off, to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

Signals and lane position (rule 186)

Rule 186 sets out three cases, "unless signs or markings indicate otherwise":

Where you are going	Approach lane	Signal
First exit to the left	Left-hand lane	Signal left, keep left, keep signalling left to leave
Exit to the right, or full circle	Right-hand lane	Signal right on approach, keep right, then signal left after passing the exit before yours
Any intermediate exit	The appropriate lane	Not normally needed on approach; signal left after passing the exit before yours

With more than three lanes at the entrance, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through the roundabout.

Rule 186 also says to give priority to cyclists on the roundabout, who travel more slowly than motorised traffic. Give them plenty of room and do not overtake them within their lane. Cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane while continuing across or around the roundabout, and signal right to show they are not leaving. Take extra care not to cut across them.

Who to watch for (rule 187)

Rule 187 lists the road users to watch for and give plenty of room: pedestrians crossing the approach and exit roads, traffic crossing in front of you (especially vehicles leaving by the next exit), traffic straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, and long vehicles including those towing trailers. Long vehicles may need to take a different course or straddle lanes because of their length, so watch their signals.

Mini-roundabouts (rules 188 to 190)

• Rule 188: approach them in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles must pass round the central markings, except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so. There is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid U-turns at mini-roundabouts, and beware of others doing this.
• Rule 189: at double mini-roundabouts treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right.
• Rule 190: at complex junctions with a series of mini-roundabouts, treat each one separately and follow the normal rules.

How the theory test asks about it

Expect questions on who has priority, which lane and signal suit a given exit, and what to do around cyclists and long vehicles. Mini-roundabout questions tend to test the rule 188 detail about passing round the central markings and avoiding U-turns. Read each scenario for the exit that is being taken, since the signal depends on it.

Practise

Read the rules on our Highway Code rule pages, then check what you remember with a practice test. Roundabouts sit alongside overtaking and vulnerable road users in the right-of-way questions, and our topics guide shows where they fit. The free theorytest.ai diagnostic finds your weak spots in a few minutes. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.

Frequently asked questions

Who has priority at a roundabout?

You give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs, markings or traffic lights say otherwise (rule 185).

Which signal do I use to take the first exit?

Signal left, approach in the left-hand lane, keep left and keep signalling left to leave (rule 186).

Do I signal at every exit?

Not on the approach for intermediate exits. Signal left after passing the exit before the one you want (rule 186).

Can you do a U-turn at a mini-roundabout?

Rule 188 says to avoid U-turns at mini-roundabouts and to beware of others doing this.

Do all vehicles have to go round the central markings of a mini-roundabout?

Yes, except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so (rule 188).