When roundabouts were introduced their purpose was to aid trafic flow at junctions. The problem nowadays is that few drivers have the slightest idea what to do when they encounter them, most stop then look to see if there is any trafic likely to arrive from their right rather than using their judgement to see if it's safe to proceed as they approach thus clogging up the road. Todays drivers seem unable to differenciate between stop and give way instructions and this is the cause of many a queue. I am not surprised that somebody has raised this matter here, the blame must either lay with the current crop of driving instructors or the caliber of examiners employed by the D.O.T.

I am reminded of the driver who has been driving for years and has never had an accident but has seen hundreds in their rear view mirror.

As an ex-instructor I doubt that instructors are to blame, if you were to neglect to teach your pupils how to approach and deal with roundabouts safely and to the book you wouldn't get many passes, DVSA examiners are also looking for evidence on test that the pupil can deal with roundabouts in a safe and proper manner, but even a good, well prepared learner can fail on a test due to the erratic, aggressive and dangerous behaviour of other drivers who should know better.

None of my pupils were allowed anyway near their driving test if they couldn't do roundabouts safely and confidently without prompting or coaching.

A good instructional video here ilustrating the 12 o'clock rule.

www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/news-and-safety-tips/-high...s