A sign that tells you what to do
Mini-roundabout
A mini-roundabout - a blue circle with three arrows - works like a normal roundabout: give way to the right and drive round the central marking.
01
What it means
At a mini-roundabout you must pass round the central white circle, not straight over it (Highway Code Rule 188 - the only exception is large vehicles that physically cannot). You give way to traffic coming from your immediate right, exactly as at a full roundabout (Rule 185).
It is small and everything happens fast, so signal and get into the correct lane early. U-turns are allowed but need care, and you must still go round the painted circle.
02
Where you'll see it
Low-speed junctions in towns and residential areas, and converted crossroads where a full roundabout would not fit. They are common across London's suburbs.
03
On your driving test
The faults examiners see most are driving straight over the central marking instead of round it, failing to give way to traffic from the right, and hesitating because the priorities happen so quickly. Wrong lane or a missed signal also cost marks.
Approach at a speed that lets you assess and give way, look right, go when it is clear, and steer round the circle even if it feels almost under the car.
Often confused with
Quick answers
Do you have to go round a mini-roundabout?
Yes. You must pass round the central marking, not drive straight over it (Highway Code Rule 188). The only exception is a vehicle too large to physically do so.
Who has priority at a mini-roundabout?
Give way to traffic coming from your immediate right, just like a normal roundabout, unless road markings or signals say otherwise.
Can you do a U-turn at a mini-roundabout?
Yes, U-turns are allowed, but take extra care and still drive round the central marking - other drivers may not expect it.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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