Multi-Lane and Spiral Roundabouts: Which Lane to Use

On a multi-lane roundabout, choose your lane on the approach from the signs and road markings, stay in that lane all the way round, and follow the markings to your exit. On a spiral roundabout, the lane lines themselves guide you out, so you shouldn’t need to change lanes on the roundabout.

Make sure you’re confident with normal roundabouts (Lesson 7) first. This lesson is for the big, busy ones you’ll find at motorway junctions and on main roads around Manchester.

Lesson Journey: this guide is part of our lesson-by-lesson series for learner drivers.

• Lesson 1: The cockpit drill (DSSSM)
• Lesson 2: Moving off and stopping
• Lesson 3: Turning left (MSPSL)
• Lesson 4: Turning right (MSPSL)
• Lesson 5: Turning left at traffic lights
• Lesson 6: Turning right at traffic lights
• Lesson 7: Roundabouts
• Lesson 8: Multi-lane and spiral roundabouts (you are here)
• Coming next: emerging from junctions, crossroads, pedestrian crossings and manoeuvres

Signs before the roundabout show the layout and which lane goes where. Lane arrows on the road confirm it. If there are no markings, the Highway Code’s general rule is:

• Left (first exit): left lane, signal left on approach.
• Straight ahead: choose the right lane for your exit (often the left lane). Usually no signal on approach, then signal left after you pass the exit before yours.
• Right, or full circle: right lane, signal right on approach, then signal left after you pass the exit before yours.

Always follow the markings when they say something different. On many big roundabouts, two or more lanes go to the same exit.

On a spiral roundabout, the lane markings curve outwards so each lane leads to particular exits. Pick your lane on the approach, then simply follow your lane: it will spiral you out at the right exit. Don’t cross the lane lines to “get across” the roundabout, and watch for drivers who do.

• Many large roundabouts, especially at motorway junctions, have traffic lights on the entries and on the roundabout itself. Treat each set like normal lights: stop at the white line on red or amber.
• Watch for yellow boxes. You must not enter a box on a signal-controlled roundabout unless you can cross it completely without stopping.
• Read the lane arrows painted at each set of lights. They often change part-way round.

• Keep checking mirrors, especially your left mirror before you leave the roundabout.
• Watch for drivers straddling lanes or changing lanes without signalling.
• Cyclists and horse riders may stay in the left lane even when going right. Give them plenty of room and don’t cut across them.
• Long vehicles may use two lanes or take a wider course. Hang back and watch their signals.
• If you miss your exit, don’t swerve across lanes. Go round again, or take the next exit and turn around safely.

• Choosing a lane too late and cutting across other traffic.
• Changing lanes on the roundabout when the markings don’t allow it.
• Forgetting to signal left before your exit.
• Stopping on the roundabout when there was no need.

Coming next in the series: emerging from junctions, crossroads and pedestrian crossings. Back to the Lesson Journey.

Our DVSA-approved instructors take you round Manchester’s big, multi-lane roundabouts until they feel routine. Manual and automatic lessons across Greater Manchester, from £35 an hour, 7 days a week from 7am to 11:30pm.

Fill in the form and we’ll match you with an instructor near you, or call 07758 837589.

The Highway Code, GOV.UK. Checked 12 November 2026. Routines like DSSSM and MSPSL are how instructors teach the Highway Code; your instructor may use a slightly different version.

Which lane should I use to go straight ahead at a roundabout?

Follow the signs and lane markings. With no markings, choose the appropriate lane on approach (often the left lane), usually without signalling, and signal left after passing the exit before yours.

What is a spiral roundabout?

A roundabout where the lane markings curve outwards, so each lane leads you to particular exits. Choose your lane on approach and follow it out.

Can I change lanes on a roundabout?

Only where the markings allow and it is safe. Choose your lane early so you do not need to.

What if I miss my exit?

Do not swerve across lanes. Go round again, or take the next exit and turn around safely.