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Roundabouts are one of the most common “confidence killers” for learners.
Not because they’re impossible, but because they punish last-second thinking.
I cover Peterborough PE1 to PE7. Manual is my main focus, and automatic is available too. If roundabouts are your weak point, this guide is for you.
Why roundabouts cause test faults
Most roundabout problems come from:
- arriving too fast
- choosing lanes too late
- missing mirrors before changing position
- drifting across lanes on exit
- hesitating in a way that confuses others
The fix is not “be brave”. The fix is a routine and repetition.
The routine that works (every time)
Use this as your structure:
mirrors, position, speed, look, decide, go
1) Mirrors
Check mirrors early, not at the last second.
Mirrors matter when:
- you change lanes
- you adjust position
- you slow down sharply
2) Position
Pick your lane early.
If you’re unsure, don’t do random lane changes late. That’s where serious faults happen.
Read the signs early and commit calmly.
3) Speed
If you approach too fast, you don’t have time to read, look, or decide.
A calmer approach speed gives you:
- time to spot a safe gap
- time to stop smoothly if needed
- time to keep good steering control
4) Look
Don’t just look once.
You should be scanning:
- right side traffic
- lanes on the roundabout
- anyone indicating off
- pedestrians near exits (where relevant)
5) Decide
A safe decision is not about forcing it.
It’s about choosing a gap where you can join without making anyone brake or change direction.
6) Go
Once you go, commit smoothly. Half decisions cause problems.
Lane discipline without overthinking
Lane discipline is one of the easiest ways to look confident.
Simple rules:
- stay in your lane once you’re on
- don’t cut across markings
- steer smoothly and exit in control
If a roundabout is unmarked or confusing, we treat it like a normal “safe position” situation: keep space, stay predictable, avoid sharp movements.
Signalling (clean and simple)
Signalling is about being clear, not perfect.
- signal if it helps others understand what you’re doing
- signal early enough to matter
- cancel it when needed
- don’t signal so early that it misleads people
A lot of learners lose marks because signals become rushed when nerves kick in.
The most common mistakes I see (and how to fix them)
Mistake 1: late lane change
Fix: read signs earlier, plan earlier, accept you might miss an exit and go around safely.
Mistake 2: approaching too fast
Fix: slow down earlier. Give yourself time to think.
Mistake 3: missing mirrors before moving
Fix: build “mirror before movement” as a habit, not an afterthought.
Mistake 4: following the car in front
Fix: the car in front going does not mean you should go. Make your own decision.
Mistake 5: drifting on the exit
Fix: pick your exit line early and steer smoothly through it.
A simple practice plan that gets results
If roundabouts are your main weakness, do this:
- practise the same 2 or 3 roundabouts repeatedly
- focus on one thing each run (lane choice, speed, mirrors, signals)
- do a quick recap after every attempt
Repetition is what makes roundabouts feel slower.
Want help with roundabouts in Peterborough?
If you want roundabout-focused lessons in PE1 to PE7, book a session and tell me that roundabouts are the priority.
Manual is my main focus, but automatic is welcome too.
FAQs
What causes serious faults on roundabouts? Usually unsafe lane changes, missing mirrors, or joining when it’s not safe.
Do I need to signal on every exit? Not always. It depends on the layout and what helps other road users.
How do I stop hesitating? Better approach speed and repetition. Hesitation usually comes from late planning.
Can you do a roundabout-only lesson? Yes. That’s often the fastest fix.