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Taking the third exit on a multi-lane roundabout

On a multi-lane roundabout, the lane you choose before you arrive matters more than anything you do once you're on it - a wrong lane can't be fixed by steering harder.

Advanced Step-by-step lesson Common mistakes

This video has no narration. Follow the written steps below.

Practical test

Why it matters

This checks lane discipline and planning on a bigger roundabout, where a late lane choice is much harder to correct safely than on a smaller one.

What to look out for

Lane first, gap second

Get into the correct lane before you focus on entering the roundabout - fixing the lane late is usually the bigger problem.

Signal after the previous exit

Signalling too early can be read as leaving at the wrong exit. Wait until you've passed the one before yours.

Key steps

  1. 1 Read the signs and lane markings early so you know which approach lane matches the third exit, well before you reach the roundabout.
  2. 2 Approach at a speed that lets you settle into the right lane calmly, while still observing traffic already on the roundabout.
  3. 3 Hold your lane throughout, looking ahead through the roundabout rather than steering late at the exit itself.
  4. 4 Signal left once you've passed the exit before yours, then leave in your own lane without cutting across another vehicle.

Common mistakes

Choosing the lane too late

Use the road signs and lane arrows earlier so your approach is settled before you reach the roundabout, not while you're already on it.

Drifting toward the exit

Look ahead through your lane and let its shape guide the car, rather than steering sharply at the last moment.

Example scenarios

Illustrative, AI-generated examples - not real photographs.

Avoid
Changing lanes while already on the roundabout — the car is straddling the line instead of holding its lane through to the exit. On a multi-lane roundabout a vehicle can easily be alongside, often sitting in the blind spot. That's poor lane discipline in itself — a serious fault and a test fail, regardless of whether another vehicle has to react.
Avoid
Exiting in the wrong lane — cutting across to the exit rather than settling into the correct lane before it arrives. Anyone already in that lane has nowhere to go. A driving fault, and a serious one if they have to brake or steer out of the way.

Highway Code

This lesson is a revision aid, not a replacement for The Highway Code.

Rule 184

On approach, use Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre at all stages, decide as early as possible which exit you need, give an appropriate signal (see Rule 186), and time your signals so as not to confuse other road users.

Read Rule 184 on GOV.UK

Rule 186

Unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, choose your lane and signal by your exit: first exit - signal left and approach in the left lane; going ahead - no signal on approach, then signal left after the exit before yours; right or full circle - signal right and approach in the right lane, then signal left after the exit before yours.

Read Rule 186 on GOV.UK

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