A guide to correctly navigating a roundabout (`Kreisverkehr`) during your German practical driving exam. The examiner will test your knowledge of priority, signaling, and observation.
1. The Approach: Signs & Priority 🔵
- As you approach, you will see the blue, circular
Kreisverkehrsign. - Look for the
Vorfahrt gewähren(Yield) sign at the entrance. This means traffic already inside the roundabout has priority. - You must slow down and yield to all traffic approaching from your left. ⬅️
2. The Golden Rule: Signaling 🚦
This is often different from other countries and is a critical point in the exam.
ENTERING the roundabout: NO SIGNAL! ❌
- Do not use your indicator when entering. This is a key rule.
- Exception: If you are taking the very first exit, you may signal right just before entering.
EXITING the roundabout: SIGNAL RIGHT! ✅
- You must activate your right turn signal just after you pass the exit before your intended exit.
- This is a mandatory step to inform others of your intention to leave the roundabout.
3. The Exit: Safety & Observation 🚴♀️
- Check for Cyclists: Before and during your exit turn, pay extreme attention to any cyclists in a bike lane to your right. They are often in your blind spot and you must yield to them.
- Perform a
Schulterblick(Shoulder Check): You must look over your right shoulder just before you steer out of the roundabout to ensure the path is clear of cyclists and pedestrians. 👀 - Maintain Speed: Drive at a steady, appropriate speed through the roundabout.
- Finish: Once you have exited, turn off your indicator and accelerate smoothly to the new speed limit.
Quick Summary Checklist ✅
- Yield to traffic from the left before entering.
- Do NOT signal when entering
- DO signal right before your exit.
- Perform a shoulder check for cyclists before exiting.