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From talking to UK newcomers, there is one road feature above all others that sends a shiver through the steering wheel – roundabouts.

While uncommon in many parts of the world, in the UK there are thousands of them. But if these circular highways make you dizzy, we've got you covered. Read on to find out how to master roundabouts big and small, and boost your confidence on your UK travels.

What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is a circular junction where traffic flows clockwise around a central island. They range from mini-roundabouts on minor roads, to busy, multi-lane junctions connecting major A-roads and motorways.

Why they're so common in the UK

Roundabouts were invented in the 1960s as a solution to traffic congestion. They're designed to keep traffic moving by reducing time spent waiting on red lights. Plus they're safer than traditional crossroads, reducing both the frequency of accidents and how bad they are.

The golden rule: always give way to the right

The main thing to remember with roundabouts is that, as you approach, you need to give way to traffic coming from your right. If proceeding into the roundabout would cause another car to stop or swerve, you need to wait. If you can join without impacting other cars, you're free to do so.

When to go

• There is no traffic coming from the right
• There is traffic coming from the right, but it is signalling it will exit before it reaches you
• There is traffic coming from the right, but it will not enter or cross the lane you will use

When to wait

• The car is not signalling to exit, so you must let it pass
• The car is signalling that it will continue round the roundabout, so you must let it pass
• The car is signalling that it will cut across the lane you need to take, so you need to wait

These rules apply regardless of the size of the roundabout. And remember, everyone is playing to the same rules, so others will give way and let you through too.

Signalling

When it comes to signalling, there are two phases to think about: how to signal before you reach the roundabout, and how to signal when you're on the roundabout.

How to signal when approaching

Imagine the roundabout is a clock and you're approaching from 6 o'clock. Then think about where your exit would sit on a clock face:

• If it's the first exit – signal left
• If it's 12 o'clock, or between the first exit and 12 o'clock – do not signal before the roundabout
• If it's after 12 o'clock – signal right

How to signal on the roundabout

When on the roundabout, you need to signal to tell other drivers when you're going to exit. So, as you go round the roundabout, when your exit is the next, signal left.

Common signalling mistakes

• Signalling left too early (other drivers think you're taking an earlier exit)
• Forgetting to signal left when leaving

Choosing the right lane

For bigger roundabouts there may be two or more lanes to choose from as you approach. The correct lane to be in depends on the exit you want to take. For two lanes, the rule of thumb is:

• To turn left or go straight on – choose the left hand lane
• To turn right – choose the right hand lane

Road signs and markings

However, some roundabouts will be different, so it's important to pay close attention to road signs and markings. Lanes will often be marked with which exit they lead to.

For large roundabouts with multiple exits, road signs and markings will be even more important. As you approach, look at the road sign and see where your exit is. In general, the later your exit is, the further right you should be. Then check the road markings to make sure you're in the right lane.

• Road signs tell you the shape of the roundabout and where exits lead to. Thicker lines mean a more major road.
• Road markings tell you which lane to be in for the route you want to take.

Lane selection tips

• Read road signs and lane markings before entering
• Get in the correct lane early
• When in doubt, use the left lane for straight ahead
• Multi-lane roundabouts: outer left hand lane for earlier exits, right hand lane for later exits

If you're in the wrong lane

Firstly, don't panic. It happens to plenty of UK natives, let alone newcomers. Take it slow, check your mirrors and signal that you're changing lanes, just like you would on the motorway.

Do not change lanes without signalling or cut across other vehicles.

Mini-roundabouts

Mini-roundabouts are used at some smaller junctions. Here, the island in the middle is just a small painted circle, rather than a more defined island.

The same principles apply to mini-roundabouts as larger ones:

• Designed to keep traffic moving
• Give way to the right
• Signal on approach and exit

Differences when using a mini-roundabout

• Try to go round the roundabout if you can
• If part of your vehicle goes over the painted circle, that's OK
• Large vehicles may drive over the roundabout

Tips for nervous drivers

Build your confidence

Do bigger roundabouts still feel like discs of doom? Start off small and build your confidence. Find some mini-roundabouts and standard single lane roundabouts where you can practice.

Stay calm

Remember everyone learned once, so don't be too hard on yourself. Stay calm, take it slow. If you miss your exit, no problem, just go round again.

Prepare

Have a route planned in advance, or use a sat nav, so it's one less thing to think about. You can even look at Google Street View so you know what to expect.

Drive with an experienced UK driver first

They can guide you through the process and provide reassurance.

Avoid rush hour initially

There will be less pressure when traffic is lighter. However, having some traffic is helpful to practice how to give way.