One is a blue circle that gives an order, the other a red triangle that gives a warning. Tell the two apart at a glance, and know what each one asks you to do.
The mini roundabout sign is a blue circle with three white arrows going clockwise. It is an order: give way to traffic from your immediate right and drive round the central marking. The roundabout sign is a red triangle with three black arrows in a circle. It is a warning that a roundabout is ahead.
Signs with a blue circle and no red border mostly give a positive instruction: something you must do. In the Highway Code its caption reads: mini-roundabout, roundabout circulation, give way to vehicles from the immediate right.
You see it on each approach to a mini roundabout, usually with broken give way lines and a white painted circle on the road. At the sign:
Priority, signals and U-turns are covered in our guide to mini roundabout rules.
Warning signs are mostly triangular. The roundabout sign tells you there is a roundabout ahead, so you have time to get ready. On its own it gives no order.
When you see it:
Government guidance allows the same triangle before a mini roundabout too, so look for the blue sign or the white circle before you decide which type you are at. For lanes and signals at full size roundabouts, see which lane to use and when to signal at a roundabout.
| Feature | Mini roundabout sign | Roundabout sign |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Blue circle | Red triangle |
| Symbol | Three white arrows going clockwise | Three black arrows in a circle |
| Type | Order: you must act on it | Warning: something is ahead |
| Where you see it | On each approach to a mini roundabout | Before a roundabout |
| What you do | Give way to the right, go round the white circle | Slow down, read the lanes, get ready to give way |
Missing either sign shows up on the test as a late lane choice, a late look right, or a wheel over the white circle. In the guidance examiners use, not complying with mandatory signs is recorded under Response to signs and signals. Not responding correctly to traffic signs was eighth in the DVSA list of reasons for failing for April 2024 to March 2025. Read how driving faults, serious faults and dangerous faults are marked.
Signs are one part of how to pass your driving test. Test yourself on every sign with our free road signs page and quiz, then find your test centre and watch the roads around it, so the real roundabout signs look familiar on the day.
It is the mini roundabout sign. Give way to traffic from your immediate right and drive clockwise round the central marking.
The red triangle warns that a roundabout is ahead. The blue circle is an order at a mini roundabout: give way to the right and go round the circle.
No. You must go round the central marking unless your vehicle is too large to (rule 188).
Last checked: 13 October 2026.
