Driving test worry: roundabouts..help needed?

Question

I have my driving test tomorrow afternoon anf my only concern is roundabouts. I have a habit of hesitating and stalling.

I can never decide when its safe to go when there are cars emerging from the right. I always change from 2nd to 1st when its not needed and end up stopping when I could just go and vica virca.

Any tips pls? I really need to get some routine in my head for tomorrow!

Answer 1

The key to keeping it smooth is to look 'early'. The more time you give yourself to assess the situation, the easier it will be - it really is as simple as that.

Most roundabouts are nice and open, which should give you plenty of time to prepare, consider whether or not you will have to stop, and select the appropriate gear. If the roundabout is really small and 'closed', chances are you will have to virtually stop anyway - in which case it will be first gear.

Whatever happens, don't stop with your front wheels over the 'give way' line.

As the others have said, stalling is ok as long as you deal with it properly. But stall more than a couple of times and you are pushing your luck.

The videos on this link may help:

http://www.drivinghelp.com/roundabouts/

Good luck :-)

Answer 2

Just treat it has any junction,give way you do not have to stop,good luck

Answer 3

Go and do some practising now! You just need to judge how fast the cars are coming and as soon as you are approaching a roundabout, look to the right.

If a car is coming round the roundabout and is close the centre, its likely they are going to past you, if they are further out, near the outside of the circle, they are turning off.

Also I had some rescue remedy before my test, great at fooling my mind that I was relaxed.

Answer 4

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Early observation, timing of approach and approach speed play key factors. Try to arrive at the roundabout when clear or when other vehicles are not in close proximity to your entry road.

teresa j and anon oxford have it right pretty much. I love it when our much maligned women drivers know more than our 'more naturally gifted' (sic) men. And they haven't had 20/40/60 years of "experience", yawn.

Well done ladies!

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Answer 5

Be confident as possible...whatever you do don't (unless dangerous!) hesitate or change your mind. Maybe go out and get a bit more practice prior to test !

Good luck

Answer 6

Ok well stalling is actually fine in your test as long as you stay calm, and start the car again, without panicking.

In driving tests, 'hesitating' is classed as when you start to move to go then stop again, not (as I thought) sitting at the roundabout until there isnt another car around!!

Be confident. That's all you can do. It's ok if you stay at the roundabout for longer than you normally would, provided you dont keep moving then stopping.

Slow you speed right down as you approach the roundabout

Have a good look around as you approach.

To be safe, if there's another car on the roundabout, dont go.Its not worth the risk.

Stop if you have to, and change in to first gear-ONLY when the car has come to a stop. Have faith in 2nd gear, as long as you give it enough gas when you are going slowly, it wont stall. Put your foot on the clutch if you think you might stall!

You can get a major in your test if you hesitate, so wait until you feel its safe.

Good Luck!!And remember to go over the top with your observations, especially when  doing your manouvers.They are total idiots when it comes to picking on the tiniest thing to fail you!!

Answer 7

when approuching the roundabout make sure u keep checking to the right to see if you could go or not by the time u get there !!

it is always safer to stop and check anyway...just dont get scared you will be fine !!

and they cant mark u for stalling aslong as u go into nutral put the hand brake on and turn the key in the engition off and then start up again go into 1st gear and come of the handbrake !!

good luck !!!

Answer 8

close your eyes and just hope for the best. why don't you have a glass of whiskey before your test to relax your nerves.

Answer 9

most roundabouts have quite open approaches so take it easy and start looking as you approach.  also, check out the position of peoples heads and their car wheels as they come round the roundabout, gives you a hint as to where they might be going on the roundabout.  Then just go real steady on the approach.  take a deep breath and just try to stay calm - its better to pause and slip into first if your not sure though, than cut someone up.  hope that helps - sorry it was a bit rambling!!! good luck!!!

Answer 10

As a driver approaches a roundabout, there will be a YIELD sign. The driver should slow down, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and be prepared to stop if necessary.

When the driver enters, he/she yields to circulating traffic on the left, but does not stop if the way is clear.

The roundabout will have ONE WAY signs mounted in the center island. They help guide traffic and indicate that the driver must stay to the right of the center island.

Upon passing the street prior to the desired exit, the driver should turn on his/her right turn signal and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as he/she exits.

Traveling around the central island completes left turns.

Driving a Multi-lane roundabout

Get in the correct lane early. Observe pavement markings and signs (For example: Use the right lane to turn at the first right or go straight. Use the left lane to go straight, make a left turn, or make a U-turn).

Give large trucks (with long trailers) room to take up both lanes as they approach, circulate and exit the roundabout.

Yield to ALL traffic already in the roundabout, even if you're only entering the right lane (or outside lane) of the roundabout.

Never pass or change lanes in the roundabout.

When exiting from the inside lane, check the lane next to you and your blind spot to make sure the outside lane is clear.  Use your turn signal to let other drivers know that you are exiting.