What are the current guidelines for approaching a junction/roundabout? Is it necessary to go into first gear?
The correct gear to deal with a junction or roundabout will depend on the correct speed, and the correct speed will depend on the situation. So, a junction or a roundabout with a very closed field of view or with lots of vehicles to give way to will require a very slow approach speed and first gear may appropriate. On the other hand, a junction or a roundabout with a very open field of view showing a clear road can be taken at greater speed and second or even third gear may be appropriate. On the approach to a junction follow the ‘mirror–signal–position–speed–look–assess–decide–act’ routine as set out in ‘Driving, the essential skills’ by the DSA, as well as the advice above.
