Kilmarnock : 01563 595 005 Mob : 07773 979 907Irvine : 01294 446 441 Email : Dave of Glencor
Irvine: Newmoor Roundabout
Kilmarnock: The Cross in Hurlford - Victoria Roundabout -
Roundabout at Verve Garage (previously Bickets) - Bellfield Interchange
Ayr: Twin Roundabouts At Train Station - Monktonhill Roundabout -
Dutch House Roundabout
Although I no longer teach in Ayr, the Ayr roundabout descriptions will remain on my website for a period of time.
Roundabout Descriptions For Kilmarnock, Irvine and Ayr
Signaling at roundabouts:-
- You should signal in good time on approach. Not too early as other road users could interpret your signal as not being for the roundabout, and not too late as this could give other road users insufficient time to deal with your intentions.
- Approaching to take the first exit on the left - signal left on approach in good time.
- Approaching to take an exit on the right - signal right on approach in good time.
- Approaching to take the road ahead - do not signal on approach. If you realize you need to change lane on approach, then signal before changing lane and as soon as you have completed changing lane cancel your signal (before reaching the roundabout).
- To leave a roundabout you should signal left as soon as you pass the exit before yours. So when checking the sign on approach to a roundabout it helps to not only take note of your exit but also to take note of the exit before yours. Now, as you travel round the roundabout and see the exit before yours you know that you can signal after that exit even if you can't see your exit at that point.
- What's a blocker? - A blocker is a vehicle that when it enters the roundabout it stops the traffic that you have to wait for. If you time this correctly then you can go while the other traffic is blocked.
The following is the Glencor Driving School instructor's interpretation of various roundabouts. Due to these being interpretations, they should not in any way be considered as legally binding.
Ayr
Prestwick/Monkton
Irvine
Kilmarnock
- Roundabout At Verve Garage (previously Bickets)
- Victoria Roundabout
- Bellfield Interchange
- The Cross in Hurlford
Jamie Drummond of Kilmarnock
During my time with Glencor I gained invaluable experience that assisted me throughout my driving tuition. Not only did this help me to pass first time it also gave me the confidence to drive on the road by myself.
Bearing right at a roundabout is similar to the road ahead
i.e. don't signal on approach.
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Newmoor Interchange, Irvine
Newmoor Interchange
For the Newmoor Interchange, if you are not taking the first exit then approach in the right-hand lane. The exception to this is when you approach from Dreghorn, then you should use the left-hand lane for Ayr or Town Centre.
Greenwood Interchange, Irvine
Greenwood Interchange
When travelling from Riverside to Town Centre follow the route as indicated by the blue(1) line.
When travelling from Riverside to Kilmarnock follow the route as indicated by the red(2) line. The right-hand lane is used at the first roundabout because Kilmarnock is to the right at the second roundabout.
Click to see where the Greenwood Interchange is in Irvine
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The Cross, Hurlford, Kilmarnock
The Cross, Hurlford
Note: - On this roundabout, when taking the road ahead from Mauchline to Kilmarnock (London Road), and vice versa, steering your car into position is important and you should follow your route as indicated by the blue(1) line or the red(2) line.
As a guide, try to follow towards the island that separates the lanes of the junction before yours and then steer towards your exit while not allowing your car to cross over the 'faint tarmac join line'. If you cross over this 'faint tarmac join line' then you will be entering the right-hand area on the roundabout, but this area is for traffic turning right at the roundabout.
Waiting is not hesitation if there has not been a safe opportunity to continue.
Hesitation is not continuing when there has been a safe opportunity to do so.
Jordan McCallum of Kilmaurs
Friendly instruction, very laid back. Explains any faults thoroughly. Spent the majority of lessons on the road driving. Pushes you forward, as I was on the test routes by the 3rd lesson. Overall, very good.
Roundabout Next To Verve, Kilmarnock
Roundabout Next To Verve
Note: - On this roundabout the left-hand lane (on the roundabout) is wide enough for two vehicles when travelling from Town Centre to Ayr, and vice versa, therefore position is important when following these routes.
Travelling from Town Centre to Ayr.
Approach the roundabout in the left-hand lane and when you travel onto the roundabout keep your car more to the right of the wide left-hand lane following the route as indicated by the blue car(2). There is a faint tarmac join line and this can be used as a guide to keep your car in position.
Note: -
- Do not move too far right as this could impede traffic using the right-hand lane (travelling for Irvine).
- If travelling this route, indicated by the blue car(2), then be aware of any vehicle that might be travelling through using the far left side of the wide left-hand lane, and continues through for the Ayr exit.
NEVER assume that all traffic on a roundabout will be travelling in the
same direction.
I have met them, several times!
Travelling from Ayr to Town Centre.
Follow this route, indicated by the green car(3), and use the same principles as for 'Travelling from Town Centre to Ayr'.
Travelling from Town Centre to Bellfield.
Approach the roundabout in the left-hand lane and when you travel onto the roundabout keep your car more to the left of the wide left-hand lane following the route as indicated by the red car(1). Being in this position means that if the car behind you is travelling to Ayr, as indicated by the blue car(2), then they can position more to the right and pass you on their way to the Ayr exit.
Callum Clark of Kilmarnock
Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to drive. When my seventeenth birthday came and I started my lessons with Glencor there was no one else I would have rather been with because right from day one, David made me feel comfortable and relaxed on the roads. Although he pushed me and put me through my paces he never made me do anything I didn't want to do. And anything that was necessary for my test, that I was struggling with, he would focus on helping me with and using different methods of teaching, he was always able to bring me up to standards.
Victoria Roundabout, Kilmarnock
Victoria Roundabout, Queens Drive
Note: - On this roundabout, when taking the road ahead from Glasgow (Hurlford) to Town Centre, and vice versa, either lane can be used (the left-hand or the right-hand lane).
Travelling from Glasgow (Hurlford) to Town Centre.
If you use the right-hand lane then you must exit the roundabout still in the right-hand lane as indicated by the red line(2). This is because traffic in the left-hand lane can also travel through as indicated by the blue line(1). You would use the right-hand lane if you knew that at the junction after this roundabout, you were going to turn right.
Travelling from Town Centre to Glasgow (Hurlford).
Just like 'Travelling from Glasgow (Hurlford) to Town Centre', if you use the right-hand lane then you must exit the roundabout still in the right-hand lane. There is one difference for this route and that is, very shortly after you exit the roundabout you will have to merge into the traffic in the left-hand lane because the two lanes are reduced to just one lane.
Therefore, if the left-hand lane is flowing freely i.e. there are no obstructions or very slow vehicles, then it is best to use the left-hand lane on this route.
Ryan Paterson of Crosshouse
Thoroughly enjoyed learning to drive with David. He was friendly, patient and supportive from the first lesson to the last. He made learning to drive fun and I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for an excellent driving instructor. Thanks David!
Bellfield Interchange, Kilmarnock
Bellfield Interchange
Points to note: -
- Due to anomalies, the Bellfield Interchange has been removed from my website. A full description will be given during your driving lessons.
- A feasibility study with respect to traffic lights for this roundabout was due for completion by June 2009. If passed, then traffic lights will be installed at a later date and their introduction should make it easier to negotiate the Bellfield Interchange. Note: The mini roundabout on Queens Drive leading up to the Bellfield Interchange could also be replaced with the introduction of traffic lights.
Shahbaz Mirza of Kilmarnock
David's knowledge of driving threw me aback the minute I stepped into his car. His explanations on how to carry out different driving manoeuvres and dealing with different road situations were impeccable. In honest truth the only reason why I passed my test is because I learned with David, his patience with my mistakes, good caring nature and reassurance is what drove me, with passion, to try and pass my driving test. As his slogan truthfully says:
If it's a Pass you're for, then Call on Glencor.
Twin Roundabouts at Ayr Train Station, Ayr
Twin Roundabouts Next To Ayr Train Station
Points to note: -
- These are two separate (but very close together) roundabouts, therefore observations and signals for each roundabout should be treated as that for any standard roundabout. There is an exception when following the routes for 'Ring Road North' and this is explained in the descriptions for the appropriate diagrams.
- Be aware of the 'Keep Clear' sections on the roundabouts. You must not start to cross over the keep clear sections if you cannot fully cross over them. To be stopped on these sections would mean you would be blocking the flow of other traffic round the roundabouts.
Travelling routes for 'Town Centre', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
On approach to the second roundabout you will note that there are two lanes for 'Town Centre'. On approach to the first roundabout your examiner will tell you which lane to follow.
Approach as for any standard road ahead at a roundabout (in the right-hand lane marked 'Town Centre').
On leaving the first roundabout, position so as to enter at the start of your designated 'Town Centre' lane for the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach your lane change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. Remember to keep your car in your lane as you turn right at the second roundabout. You must not move into another lane (except to pass an obstruction, and before doing so you must observe that it is safe to do this).
Travelling route for A70 (Green 3).
Approach and travel through the roundabout as for any standard left turn at a roundabout.
Travelling route for A713 (Yellow 4).
Approach as for any standard road ahead at a roundabout. Once you signal left to exit the first roundabout you can simply keep your left signal on for the second roundabout because you will be turning left at the second roundabout. Again, be aware of the 'Keep Clear' section on the first roundabout.
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Travelling routes for 'Ring Road North', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
On approach to the second roundabout you will note that there are two lanes for 'Ring Road North'. If the examiner does not tell you which of the two lanes to follow then you should follow route Blue 1.
Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout and choosing the lane marked 'North' on the far left. When travelling onto the first roundabout position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane (not cutting over lane lines). On approach to the second roundabout cancel your left signal; if you leave your signal on then other drivers might think you are about to turn into the train station (just after the second roundabout). Remain in your lane as you travel through and beyond the second roundabout.
If using route Red 2, then be aware of not moving so far right that you impede any driver using route Green 3.
Travelling route for A70 (Green 3).
Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout and choosing the lane marked 'A70'. Travel onto the roundabout so as to position between the paths followed for routes Red 2 & Yellow 4 and so as to enter at the start of the A70 lane for the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach the A70 lane for the second roundabout change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. At the second roundabout, continue as for any standard right turn at a roundabout.
Travelling route for A713 (Yellow 4).
Approach and travel through the roundabout as for any standard right turn at a roundabout.
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Arlene Kelly of Prestwick
David is a great driving instructor. He has a patient nature which helped me overcome my nerves. I passed within three months and recommended David to three friends, one of which had been learning for over a year. With David as his new instructor he passed after a minimal number of lessons.
Travelling routes for 'Ring Road North', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
Approach as for any standard right turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'North'). If the examiner does not tell you which of the two routes to follow then you should follow route Blue 1.
When leaving the roundabout you should position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane (not cutting over lane lines). On exiting the roundabout cancel your left signal as soon as you reach your lane; if you leave your signal on then other drivers might think you are about to turn into the train station (just after the roundabout).
Travelling routes for 'Town Centre' (Green 3 & Yellow 4).
On approach to the second roundabout you will note that there are two lanes for 'Town Centre'. On approach to the first roundabout your examiner will tell you which lane to follow.
Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'Town Centre'). When travelling onto the first roundabout position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane for approach to the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach your designated lane change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. Remember to keep your car in your lane as you turn right at the second roundabout. You must not move into another lane (except to pass an obstruction, and before doing so you must observe that it is safe to do this).
Travelling route for A713 (Purple 5).
Approach as for any standard left turn at a roundabout but remember to keep your left signal on until you exit the second roundabout.
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Travelling routes for 'Ring Road North', (Blue 1 & Red 2).
Approach as for any standard right turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'Ring Road North'). If the examiner does not tell you which of the two routes to follow then you should follow route Blue 1.
When leaving the first roundabout you should position so as to enter at the start of your designated lane (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach the start of your designated lane cancel your left signal. Remain in your lane as you travel through and beyond the second roundabout.
Travelling route for A70 (Green 3).
Approach as for any standard right turn at a roundabout (in the lane marked 'A70'). When leaving the first roundabout you should position so as to enter at the start of the A70 lane for the second roundabout (not cutting over lane lines). As soon as you reach the A70 lane for the second roundabout change your signal over to the right because you will be turning right at the second roundabout. At the second roundabout, continue as for any standard right turn at a roundabout.
Travelling route for Town Centre (Yellow 4).
Approach and travel through the roundabout as for any standard left turn at a roundabout.
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Roundabout At Ayr College, Ayr
Roundabout At Ayr College
Travelling from John Street to Station Road.
When approaching this roundabout from John Street you should note that the left-hand lane (South) is arrowed for left, ahead and right, (and the right-hand lane is arrowed for right only) therefore: -
- If following the route for South (Blue 1) you should indicate as you would for turning right at any standard roundabout, but your car should remain in the left-hand lane as you travel round the roundabout.
- If following the route for Town Centre (Red 2) then you should approach and travel onto the roundabout as you would for any standard right turn at a roundabout. BUT, when you exit the roundabout into Station Road you should remain in the right-hand lane because traffic can follow round in the left-hand lane and therefore exit with you.
Whitletts Roundabout, Ayr
Whitletts Roundabout
Points to note: -
- On approach to the roundabout, select your lane. Then simply stay in that lane and it will guide you to your exit.
- When travelling onto the roundabout there are guide dots which are designed to direct you to your lane on the roundabout.
- All exits from the Whitletts roundabout have two lanes (with the exception of the Mauchline exit which only has one) and for test purposes it is best if you can choose the left lane as soon as it becomes available. For some routes this will be on approach to the roundabout and for others this will be as you travel round the roundabout.
- Only glance down now and then for the road markings. If you stare down at the road markings for too long then you will not be aware of the traffic lights.
- Always be aware of any driver who might attempt to change into your lane as they travel round the roundabout.
Mark Devlin of Prestwick
David was an excellent instructor. He was patient, did not waste your time/money on unnecessary lessons and believes the best way for you to learn is to get out there. N.B. My uncle is a driving instructor: my younger brother will be taking lessons from David!
This image is not Copyright © Glencor Driving School
Monktonhill Roundabout, Monkton, Prestwick
Monktonhill Roundabout
Travelling from Prestwick to Kilmarnock (Blue 1).
Approach the roundabout in the right-hand lane for the road ahead for Kilmarnock (A77). When you travel onto the roundabout initially keep your car over to the right.
As you travel round the roundabout you need to position more left so as to eventually enter at the beginning (without cutting over lane lines) of the far left lane of the two A77 lanes just before the Kilmarnock exit.
Note: -
- In my experience, moving sufficiently to the left for the Kilmarnock exit feels unnaturally far, so be prepared to move your car sufficiently over to the left.
- Try to avoid moving so far left, as you travel round the roundabout, that it appears you are heading for the exit before (Kerrix Road) the Kilmarnock exit.
Dutch House Roundabout, Monkton, Prestwick
Dutch House Roundabout
At Monkton Lodge
Travelling from Prestwick to Ayr (Blue 1).
Approach the roundabout in the right-hand lane for the road ahead for Ayr (A77). When you travel onto the roundabout initially keep your car over to the right.
As soon as you reach the right-hand lane on the roundabout you will need to start steering over to the left-hand lane. A good guide for this is to be fully over to the left-hand lane just before your car passes the central reservation of the Kilmarnock A77 road.
Note: -
- When you enter the left-hand lane for exiting the roundabout you must follow this lane, which then leads you into the right-hand lane of the Ayr A77 road. You must not cross over the solid white lines on your left. These lines are designed to enable the traffic travelling from Kilmarnock to Ayr to do so without giving way at the roundabout.
- Shortly after entering the Ayr A77 road the standard lane separation line will start (solid lines will end). You should then be prepared to move over to the left-hand lane of the Ayr A77 road when it is safe to do so.