How to Drive Through Roundabouts in Australia

Updated October 2026

Roundabouts keep traffic flowing and reduce serious crashes, but they confuse many learners. The rules are part of the Australian Road Rules, so they are essentially the same in NSW, Victoria and the Northern Territory. Here is how to get them right.

The golden rule: give way to vehicles already in the roundabout

When you enter a roundabout, you must give way to any vehicle already in it, and to trams where they run. That includes vehicles that have entered from the road to your right. Slow down on approach, look right and enter only when there is a safe gap.

Choosing your lane

On a multi-lane roundabout, read the lane arrows on the road and signs.

• Turning left: use the left lane.
• Turning right or doing a U-turn: use the right lane.
• Going straight ahead: use any lane, unless markings show otherwise.

When to indicate

• Turning left (exiting less than halfway around): signal left as you approach.
• Turning right or making a U-turn (exiting more than halfway around): signal right as you approach and keep signalling until you are about to exit.
• Going straight ahead: no signal is needed on approach.
• Leaving the roundabout: signal left before you exit, if practicable.

Step by step

1. Slow down and choose the correct lane early.
2. Signal if you are turning left or right.
3. Give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
4. Enter when there is a safe gap and keep within your lane.
5. Watch for cyclists. They may turn right from the left lane, but must give way to vehicles leaving the roundabout.
6. Signal left and check your mirror and blind spot before you exit.

Common mistakes

• Stopping when the way is clear, which can cause rear-end crashes.
• Entering when a vehicle is already approaching from the right inside the roundabout.
• Changing lanes inside the roundabout.
• Forgetting to signal left on exit.
• Cutting across lanes on a multi-lane roundabout.

Practise with an instructor

Roundabouts are a common part of driving tests. Practising single-lane and multi-lane roundabouts with an instructor builds the judgement to choose safe gaps confidently.