The Secret to Smooth Roundabout Driving: The Power of Early Anticipation
When it comes to safe roundabout driving, few skills separate confident, competent drivers from hesitant or risky ones as much as early anticipation. It’s not just about reacting quickly — it’s about seeing things before they happen.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of early anticipation, especially at roundabouts, where quick decisions and good judgment can make the difference between a smooth, flowing drive and a stressful stop-start experience.
If you prefer to see it in action, scroll down to watch our Driving School WA roundabout breakdown video, where we analyse real-life Perth traffic footage and explain what experienced drivers do differently.
Why Roundabout Early Anticipation Matters
Every safe decision on the road starts with looking early. When you notice potential hazards or changing traffic patterns before they reach you, you give yourself time to make calm, safe choices.
At a roundabout, that means observing traffic well before the line. If you can already see which vehicles are committed to exiting and which are slowing down, you can identify a safe opportunity to go without unnecessary hesitation.
In our video, you’ll see how drivers who look early move confidently and smoothly, while late observers tend to pause too long or misjudge gaps.
Planning Early = Driving Smoothly
Think of anticipation as the foundation of flow. When you’re 100 metres away from an intersection, you should already be predicting what’s about to happen.
For example:
-
You see a van exiting and a black car approaching.
-
You calculate there’s time to proceed safely.
-
You maintain a steady speed and avoid harsh braking.
That’s smart, confident driving. It prevents jerky movements, stops, and poor timing — exactly what assessors notice during your WA driving test.
Timing and Lane Choice Go Hand in Hand
Anticipation isn’t only about when to go — it’s also about where. On multi-lane roundabouts, late planning often leads to awkward lane changes or confusion at the exit.
A well-prepared driver identifies the correct lane early and stays committed to it. As we often remind our students:
“Early planning is the mother of good flow.”
When your mind is two steps ahead, your steering, braking, and timing all follow naturally.
The Trap of Late Observation
Late observation causes unnecessary stops and poor gap choices.
In our featured video, the red hatchback driver could have safely gone before the silver SUV, but hesitated — probably because they looked too late. In just four seconds, that safe window vanished.
Moments like that show why anticipation isn’t optional — it’s essential. On a busy roundabout, even a second’s delay can change everything.
Developing Situational Awareness
Reasonable anticipation comes from situational awareness — reading what’s happening not only in front of you but all around.
That means:
-
Predicting which drivers might commit early or wait too long.
-
Estimating closing speeds.
-
Reading subtle movements, such as creeping vehicles ready to go.
When you can read traffic body language, you’ll rarely be caught off guard.
Trust Your Vehicle When Entering a Double Lane Roundabout
In one clip, a heavy truck clears the roundabout with confidence before traffic from the right arrives. That’s not luck — that’s early planning and trust in the truck’s capability.
Every vehicle behaves differently. Whether you drive a hatchback, ute, or truck, planning ahead and knowing how your car responds are key to smooth, safe driving.
Why This Matters for Your WA Driving Test
Assessors don’t just watch for rule-following — they assess how well you think ahead. Drivers who anticipate show composure, confidence, and awareness of traffic flow.
Those who react late may seem cautious but appear uncertain, which can lead to avoidable minor faults or test failures. Anticipation is one of those invisible skills that quietly builds a strong impression during the test.
The Golden Rule for Roundabout Driving
When approaching any roundabout, remember:
Look early, plan early, act smoothly.
It’s not about rushing; it’s about creating time to think clearly. And if you’re ever unsure — wait. A calm, patient driver is always a safe one.
Final Thoughts
Roundabouts challenge even experienced drivers, but the secret lies in early planning. When you look early, you’ll move with confidence, keep the traffic flowing, and enjoy a smoother, stress-free experience.
So next time you approach a roundabout, don’t just look — really see.
The earlier you anticipate, the better your driving becomes.
🎥 Watch the full video here, where Steve thoroughly explains the double lane roundabout safe and flawless techniques:
How Early Planning Can Transform Your Roundabout Driving — Real WA Road Footage Breakdown
If you found this helpful, share it to help more learner drivers in Western Australia improve their road confidence and pass their tests with ease.
