Learn How to use roundabouts correctly for your older driver assessments NSW. Depending on your location, roundabouts are commonly used and assessed in the TfNSW practical driving test for seniors. Many older drivers receive errors or fail due to signalling errors, incorrect lane position, failing to give way correctly, or mounting the centre island.

At Older Driver Assessments, we provide clear, easy to follow videos so that you can use roundabouts correctly, safely and confidently. Better still, this will also help you to avoid common mistakes, and help increase your chances of passing the assessment.

Why Learning How to Use Roundabouts
Correctly Matters for Older Driver Assessments

Many older drivers can find roundabouts challenging during their senior drivers test. understanding how to use roundabouts correctly can significantly improve your chances of passing the TfNSW Older Driver Assessment. Our TfNSW accredited assessors at Older Driver Assessments, know that correct signalling, lane choice and giving way makes a big difference between a pass and a fail.

Common Roundabout Mistakes Older Drivers
Make During a Driving Assessment for Seniors

Failing to indicate when leaving a roundabout, choosing the wrong lane on multi-lane roundabouts, mounting the centre island and failing to give way, are some of the most frequent errors. Learning How to Use Roundabouts Correctly helps you avoid these common mistakes that many older drivers experience. The good news is these are all avoidable with the right knowledge.

Simple Step-by-Step Videos: How to Use Roundabouts Correctly

Below you’ll find clear, simple steps that match what TfNSW assessors expect during your older driver assessment. We’ve also added short demonstration videos so you can see the correct technique in action.

Common Roundabout Signs

Look for these signs, as they tell you a roundabout is ahead:

How & When to Indicate on a Roundabout

IMPORTANT: Apart from indicating left when turning left and indicating right when turning right, if practical, you must always signal left when exiting a roundabout. When you travel straight ahead on a small single lane roundabout, it may not be practical to indicate.

Approaching & Entering a Roundabout Correctly

• As you approach a roundabout, position your vehicle in the lane suitable for your intended direction.
• You must use your indicator if you intend on turning left or right or make a u-turn.
• You must also give other road users sufficient notice of your intent to turn.
• Slow down and prepare to give way to any vehicles already in the roundabout.

Remember to cancel out your indicator after you exit the roundabout.

How to Turn Left at a Roundabout Correctly

• As you approach the roundabout, position your vehicle in the left lane, unless road markings or signs show that another lane can also be used to turn left.
• As you approach the roundabout, indicate left early so other drivers know your intention.
• Slow down and prepare to give way to any vehicles already in the roundabout.
• If it is safe to proceed, continue indicating left as you turn left and exit the roundabout.

Remember to cancel out your indicator after you exit the roundabout.

How to Turn Right at a Roundabout Correctly

• As you approach the roundabout, position your vehicle in the right lane, unless road markings or signs show that another lane can also be used to turn right.
• As you approach the roundabout, indicate right early so other drivers know your intention.
• Slow down and prepare to give way to any vehicles already in the roundabout.
• If it is safe to proceed, continue indicating right as you move around the roundabout.
• As you pass the exit before the one you intend to take, indicate left to show you are exiting.
• Continue indicating left as you exit the roundabout.

Remember to cancel out your indicator after you exit the roundabout.

U-Turn at a Roundabout

• As you approach the roundabout, position your vehicle in the right lane, unless road markings or signs show that another lane can also be used to turn left.
• Indicate right early so other drivers know your intention.
• Slow down and prepare to give way to any vehicles already in the roundabout.
• If it is safe to proceed, continue indicating right as you move all the way around the roundabout.
• As you pass the exit before the one you intend to take, indicate left to show you are exiting.
• Continue indicating left as you exit the roundabout.

Remember to cancel out your indicator after you exit the roundabout.

Going Straight Ahead at a Roundabout

• As you approach the roundabout, you do not need to indicate
• Slow down and prepare to give way to any vehicles already in the roundabout.
• If it is safe to proceed, continue straight and only indicate left as you pass the exit before the one you intend to take.
• Continue indicating left as you exit the roundabout.

Remember to cancel out your indicator after you exit the roundabout.

How to a Exit Roundabout Correctly

• You must signal left when leaving a roundabout if it is practical to do so.
• Continue indicating left as you exit the roundabout.
• When travelling straight ahead on a small single lane roundabout, it may be impracticable to indicate when exiting.

Remember to cancel out your indicator after you exit the roundabout.

Practical Tips for Senior Drivers Who Want
to Know How to Use Roundabouts Correctly

Practice these habits to build confidence and reduce hesitation:

• Plan your lane early and signal in plenty of time.
• Keep a steady speed and stay centred in your lane.
• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing direction.

Many older drivers worry about holding up traffic. The key is smooth observation and decisive (but safe) movement. Regular practice with these techniques helps greatly.

Book Your Older Driver Assessment With
Trusted & Independent TfNSW Accredited Assessors

Knowing how to use roundabouts correctly is just one part of preparing for your 85+ year old driving assessment in NSW. At Older Driver Assessments, we specialise exclusively in assessments for older drivers and it’s our only focus.

Our friendly, patient, and experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. We simplify the entire process, reduce stress, and provide a calm and supportive environment. Whether you need a seniors driving test, or simply some professional guidance, we’re dedicated to helping you stay safe and independent for longer.

Don’t navigate the licensing process alone. Book your older driver assessment with a team who understand older drivers and the importance of maintaining independence.

To book, please call us on 1300 632 679 or visit our bookings page.