Online driving tutorials
Online driving tutorial - Avonmouth Spiral Roundabouts
This is potentially the toughest area in the whole of test territory due to Avonmouth's spiral roundabouts.
If you turn right out of the test centre, right at the end of that road, then left at the lights you'll find yourself here. You'll come across it within the first 5 minutes of the test if the roads are clear and traffic lights are green. There are three very large, traffic light controlled spiral roundabouts. You could find yourself following signs for the independent driving section too to make life harder.
This video shows you how to negotiate Avonmouth's spiral roundabouts if heading towards Bristol and the A4. If you're heading into Shirehampton at the third roundabout, the only difference is that rather taking the third exit, it's the second. Stay in the left most lane for this.
Spirals at the end
So, that's on the way out of Avonmouth. What about how to deal with them on the way back? It's possible you'll be coming back here, or seeing it for the first time towards the end of the exam. The video below shows you how to deal with them approaching from Shirehampton, which is slightly harder than from The Portway (A4).
Shirehampton to Avonmouth Docks
Potentially towards the end of the test, you could be following the sat nav back through and across Avonmouth's spiral roundabouts. Watch the video to see how it should be done.
It's worth noting that it's the middle lane for straight across the first roundabout. The markings are very poor. Then the left lane for left at the second roundabout and then there's right and confusion for the third roundabout.
Approaching from the base in the photo (image 1) to turn right is the hard bit. With 60 yards to go you' be confident thinking right hand for turning right. Then suddenly, with no warning, the lane splits. A new option is presented to you. A middle lane which can be used for turning right.
I recommend sticking to the right and sorting your normal drive position out as you leave the roundabout. Te reason for this is so much traffic in the area approach this roundabout in the left lane and go directly into the middle to turn right. On approach, you'll have little idea of what's happening on your left. It could be dangerous to drift into the middle.
Arrive in the right, stay to the right and as you spiral around the roundabout you'll be pushed out into the middle. Just like the white lane here (image 2).
As you leave, taking the third exit, the vehicles on your left will also be taking the thirds exit. There's room for you both with two lanes. The photo (image 3) shows this.
A MSM routine here to see when it's safe to get back into your normal drive position here is all that you need to do.
Additional help
We have more online driving tutorials on the website here. We cover how to deal with all types of Roundabout and Junctions.
