When you approach a roundabout and plan to take the first exit, you treat it as a left turn (in countries that drive on the left, like the UK) and follow a clear routine to stay safe and legal.

Core steps (simple version)

  1. Signal left early as you approach.
  1. Choose the correct lane (usually the left lane for the first exit, unless signs/markings say otherwise).
  1. Slow down on approach, look to the right, and be prepared to give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
  1. When it’s safe, enter the roundabout keeping to the left.
  1. Keep signalling left and take the first exit at a controlled speed.
  1. As you exit, check mirrors, watch for pedestrians and cyclists at the crossing, and then accelerate once fully clear.

In a bit more detail (driving-test style)

1. Before you reach the roundabout

  • Decide your exit early: first exit = effectively a left turn.
  • Check mirrors (especially left mirror) and then signal left in good time, without confusing others.
  • Move into the left lane if there is more than one lane and markings do not direct you otherwise.
  • Reduce speed and be ready to stop if someone is approaching from your right and will enter before you.

2. At the give-way line

  • Look mainly to the right, but also ahead and to the left for unusual situations or pedestrians.
  • Give way to any vehicle already on the roundabout; they have priority.
  • If it’s clear, move off smoothly in a low gear, keeping your car positioned to the left.

3. On the roundabout and exiting

  • Stay in the left lane, close to the kerb, without cutting across lanes.
  • Maintain your left signal all the way until you leave.
  • As you exit, keep your speed low and watch for pedestrians at the crossing, especially vulnerable ones (children, elderly, disabled).
  • Once fully clear of the roundabout and any crossings, cancel the signal if needed and build up speed.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Approaching in the wrong lane when markings clearly indicate a left-only lane for first exit.
  • Forgetting to signal left on approach and while leaving.
  • Cutting across from an inner lane directly to the first exit.
  • Accelerating hard while still at the pedestrian crossing on the exit.

Mini “story” example

You’re driving along a 30 mph road and see a roundabout sign ahead with a diagram showing three exits. You check your mirrors, ease off to about 15–20 mph, move gently into the left lane, and signal left. As you reach the give- way line, you glance right: a car is still a couple of car-lengths away and clearly slowing, so you have time to go. You enter the roundabout smoothly, hugging the left edge, keeping your left signal on. A pedestrian waits near the crossing on your exit, so you roll off gently, pass the crossing under full control, then accelerate once you’re fully clear and your wheels are straight.

TL;DR

To take the first exit at a roundabout: signal left, use the left lane, give way to traffic already on, keep left while circulating, and exit under control while still signalling left.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.