A roundabout looks simple until you meet a busy one in Bucharest: multiple lanes, wrong signals, drivers cutting across. For students and new drivers, roundabouts are among the most stressful manoeuvres — and among the most common on the exam. At AUTOMV Instructor Auto we practise these situations on real routes, focusing on priority, lane choice and signalling. Here are the essential rules, explained clearly.

1. What a roundabout actually is

A roundabout is a circular junction where traffic moves in one direction — in Romania, typically anticlockwise around the centre. The idea is to reduce head-on conflicts and keep flow. Not every “circle” is the same: some have multiple lanes, some have traffic lights on certain arms, others have special markings. That is why you must read local signs and road markings, not only apply a memorised recipe.

Before you enter, slow down, check the signs and decide in advance which lane you need.

2. Who has priority

General rule: vehicles already in the roundabout have priority over those waiting to enter — unless signs say otherwise. At the entry, give way to traffic inside, then take the correct lane without sudden moves. Do not force your way in and do not rely on “the other driver will let me in anyway”.

Note: if there is a traffic light or a sign that changes priority, follow the signs on site. Both the exam and real traffic punish haste as well as long hesitation that blocks the queue.

3. Lane choice — the decision that prevents mistakes

In multi-lane roundabouts, the wrong lane is the main cause of conflicts. As a practical rule (always check markings):

• for the first exit (or right), use the outer lane in most cases;
• for going “straight across” / later exits, you may need the inner lane at first;
• before exiting, move to the outer lane when it is free and safe.

Do not change two lanes in one move. Signal, check the blind spot and move gradually. If you chose the wrong lane, do not cut across abruptly: continue safely until you can exit correctly or go around.

4. Signalling: when and why

Signalling announces intention. When exiting, signal right in good time so others understand you are leaving the roundabout. If you stay in lane and continue around, do not confuse those who want to exit. Many drivers signal wrongly or not at all — and on the exam that costs marks.

A signal does not replace priority. You signal to be readable, not to force passage.

5. Speed and distance inside

Speed in a roundabout is moderate. Keep distance from the car ahead and be ready to stop if the flow compresses. Harsh braking creates waves of conflict. In rain, brake earlier: markings can be slippery.

Stay in the middle of your lane without hugging the line. A stable position reduces the risk of being squeezed from the sides.

6. Pedestrians, cyclists and larger vehicles

Before and after the roundabout there may be pedestrian crossings. Do not block the crossing and do not stop on it to “catch a gap” in the circle. Cyclists and motorcyclists can be hard to see on the sides — check mirrors and the blind spot every time you change lane or exit.

Buses and long vehicles need more space on the curve. Do not stick to them and do not try to cut their path.

7. Common beginner mistakes

• Entering without giving way, on impulse.
• Wrong lane from the start.
• Lane change without signal and without mirrors.
• Exiting without signalling.
• Sudden stop in the middle of the roundabout from panic.
• Insisting on “fixing” a wrong-lane mistake by force.

The good correction is calm: breathe, keep control and repair the route at the next safe opportunity.

8. How to practise properly (and why it matters in Bucharest)

Theory helps, but habits come from practice. Start with simple roundabouts, then move to multi-lane ones with dense traffic. Ask for feedback after each pass: were you in the correct lane? Did you signal the exit? Did you give way correctly?

In Bucharest the rhythm is uneven: some accelerate, others brake for no clear reason. Anticipation and patience matter more than speed. At AUTOMV Instructor Auto we work these exact scenarios to reduce exam nerves and real-traffic mistakes.

9. Quick checklist before you enter

• Reduced speed, eyes looking far ahead.
• Read signs and markings.
• Give way to traffic in the roundabout (if rules/signs require it).
• Choose the lane that matches your intention.
• Signal the exit in good time.
• Check mirrors + blind spot on every change.

10. What to do if you miss the exit

Do not yank the steering wheel and do not cross lanes diagonally. Continue around the roundabout until you can exit legally at a later exit or rejoin your route. Better twenty extra seconds than a conflict. The same logic applies after the licence: ego does not have priority over safety.

Another important point is the rhythm of the queue. Do not enter into gaps that are too small just to “not lose your place”. It is better to wait for a clear window than to sit half across a lane and force others to brake. At the same time, excessive hesitation can create confusion: if you have priority and you have checked, move decisively, but without aggressive acceleration.

On the exam, the examiner watches whether you understand the flow, not whether you memorised a sentence. Show that you see, give way, choose the lane and signal. At home, you can mentally review each roundabout you got wrong and note what you noticed too late. This exercise shortens the time until the manoeuvre feels natural.

Conclusion

Roundabout rules come down to four ideas: read the signs, give way correctly, choose the lane early and signal the exit. The rest is calm, distance and practice. With guided training, the roundabout stops being a scare and becomes a predictable manoeuvre.

If you want to practise Bucharest roundabouts with clear explanations and patience, AUTOMV Instructor Auto — Mihaela Vișan — can help. Your success is my joy. Contact us and get ready to handle roundabouts with confidence.