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California driving lesson · Signals, Signs & Right-of-Way

Roundabouts

A 2-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Signals, Signs & Right-of-Way
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
46

In a roundabout, traffic travels in one direction, counterclockwise, around a central island. Traffic already circulating has priority; you enter by merging into a gap.

Roundabout

An intersection where traffic travels in one direction around a central island.

Handbook p. 46 ↗

How to use a roundabout:

  • 1. Slow down as you approach
  • 2. Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout
  • 3. Enter heading to the right when there is a big enough gap to merge safely
  • 4. Watch for signs and lane markings that guide you
  • 5. Travel counterclockwise; do not stop or pass
  • 6. Signal when you change lanes or exit
  • 7. If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to it
Handbook p. 46 ↗

Choosing a lane in a multilane roundabout

Choosing a lane in a multilane roundabout
ToLane choice
Turn rightChoose the right lane; exit in the right lane
Go straightEither lane; exit in the lane you entered
Turn leftEnter and continue to the exit you choose
Handbook p. 46 ↗
Roundabout example diagram
Right turn: right lane in, right lane out
Roundabout example diagram
Straight: exit in the lane you entered
Roundabout example diagram
Left turn: continue around to your exit

Know the rule

Choose your entry and exit lane based on your destination.

Handbook p. 46 ↗

Put it into practice

You enter a two-lane roundabout planning to go straight and chose the left lane. Stay in it through the circle and exit in the left lane, the same one you entered in. Signal as you exit.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

In a roundabout, which direction does traffic travel around the central island?
  1. Clockwise
  2. Counterclockwise
  3. Either direction, by lane
  4. Clockwise in the inner lane

Answer: Counterclockwise

In a roundabout, traffic travels counterclockwise in one direction around a central island.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
Before entering a roundabout, who must you yield to?
  1. Only vehicles turning left
  2. Only pedestrians
  3. All traffic already in the roundabout
  4. No one; entering traffic has priority

Answer: All traffic already in the roundabout

Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout before entering.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
In a roundabout, what should you do if you miss your intended exit?
  1. Stop and back up to the exit
  2. Stop until the lane by the exit clears
  3. Cut across lanes to the exit
  4. Go around again to your exit

Answer: Go around again to your exit

If you miss your exit in a roundabout, continue around until you come back to it.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
Which lane should you choose in a multilane roundabout to turn right?
  1. The right lane, exiting right
  2. The left lane, exiting right
  3. Either lane, exiting from either
  4. The left lane, exiting left

Answer: The right lane, exiting right

To turn right in a roundabout, choose the right lane and exit in the right lane.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
Is stopping or passing allowed while traveling through a roundabout?
  1. Yes, stopping is fine if traffic is light
  2. No, do not stop or pass
  3. Passing is allowed in the outer lane
  4. Both are allowed if you signal

Answer: No, do not stop or pass

Travel counterclockwise through a roundabout without stopping or passing.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
What should you do as you approach a roundabout?
  1. Speed up to merge quickly
  2. Come to a full stop before entering
  3. Slow down
  4. Move to the left-most lane

Answer: Slow down

As you approach a roundabout, slow down before entering.

Handbook p. 46 ↗
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