What Do You Do at a Roundabout in Ontario?

According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook, the fundamental rule at a roundabout is to yield to traffic already circulating inside the roundabout. As you approach, slow down, check for vehicles and pedestrians, and enter only when you have a safe gap. Traffic inside the roundabout always has the right of way. Once inside, keep moving and do not stop unless the vehicle ahead of you has stopped.

The correct procedure for navigating a roundabout in Ontario is:

Multi-lane roundabouts are increasingly common in Ontario. The lane you choose depends on where you plan to exit:

Roundabouts are still relatively new to many Ontario drivers, and common mistakes include: stopping inside the roundabout when there is no reason to, failing to yield to traffic already circulating, forgetting to signal before exiting, and changing lanes inside the roundabout. On road tests, examiners look for smooth entry, correct lane selection, proper signalling, and confident navigation. Hesitating at the entry when there is a clear gap may be marked as a driving error.

Yes. Ontario municipalities have been installing more roundabouts because they reduce collision severity, improve traffic flow, and lower maintenance costs compared to signalized intersections. Studies of converted intersections consistently show large reductions in fatal and serious-injury collisions, with the magnitude depending on the previous intersection type and the study. As a new driver, learning to navigate roundabouts confidently is increasingly important for both your road test and daily driving.