In a single-lane roundabout, how far around do you travel before exiting when making a left turn?
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A.
Three-quarters around, then exit to the right. Correct
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B.
A quarter of the way, for a right turn at the next street.
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C.
Halfway around, the same as if going straight.
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D.
A full circle around, the same as a U-turn.
The answer is "Three-quarters around, then exit to the right."
In a single-lane roundabout, a left turn is made by traveling three-quarters of the way around and exiting to the right. Choice B is the reflex for drivers used to a left going left first; a quarter turn in a roundabout is actually a right at the next street.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. A quarter of the way, for a right turn at the next street.
A quarter turn is what you drive for a right turn, not a left. This answer reaches for the quarter-around distance because a left is expected to go left first.
C. Halfway around, the same as if going straight.
Halfway around is the distance for going straight through, not for a left. This answer reasons a left turn covers more of the circle than a right and picks halfway as the next figure past the quarter.
D. A full circle around, the same as a U-turn.
A full circle is a U-turn; a left turn stops one exit earlier. This answer overshoots by one exit, applying the U-turn distance to an ordinary left.
This question tests your knowledge of Turning in North Carolina. Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, "Single-Lane Roundabout," p.59..
Related North Carolina questions
- You approach an intersection and realize you are not in the correct lane for the turn you planned. What does the manual tell you to do? →
- You have a green arrow to make a U-turn. A driver coming from the opposite direction has a green arrow to turn right into the same lane you are heading for. Who yields? →
- Which hand signal shows you plan to make a left turn? →
- Which hand signal shows you plan to make a right turn? →
- You are approaching a turn on a street with a posted 35 mph limit. How far ahead of the turn must your signal be on? →
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