Roundabouts are everywhere on Malta's roads — from the sweeping multi-lane junction at Marsa to the tight little circles tucked into residential streets in Birkirkara. Yet for many learner drivers, they remain one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of both the driving test and everyday driving. The good news is that once you understand the rules clearly, roundabouts become straightforward and predictable.
The Golden Rule: Give Way to the Right
In Malta, as required by Transport Malta regulations, vehicles already on the roundabout have priority. This means that when you approach a roundabout, you must give way to traffic coming from your right — that is, traffic already circulating inside the roundabout. Do not assume it is your turn simply because the car ahead of you moved. Always check that the roundabout is clear before entering.
This rule trips up a surprising number of candidates during their driving test. Examiners watch carefully to see whether you actually yield, or whether you creep forward and force circulating traffic to brake for you.
Lane Discipline: The Part Most Drivers Get Wrong
On a two-lane roundabout, the general guidance is:
- Left lane — use when taking the first exit (turning left) or going straight ahead.
- Right lane — use when going straight ahead (if the left lane is congested), turning right, or continuing past the 12 o'clock position.
As you exit the roundabout, you should end up in the lane that corresponds to your entry lane. Moving from the right lane and cutting across to exit on the left — without checking your mirrors and signalling — is one of the most common causes of roundabout collisions in Malta.
Remember to signal left as you pass the exit before the one you intend to take. This lets other drivers and pedestrians know you are about to leave the roundabout.
Signalling: When and How
Many learners either forget to signal entirely or signal far too late. Here is a simple sequence to follow:
- Turning left (first exit): Signal left on approach and maintain that signal throughout.
- Going straight ahead: No signal needed on approach; signal left after passing the exit before yours.
- Turning right or going more than halfway round: Signal right on approach; switch to left signal as you pass the exit before yours.
Consistent, timely signalling is not just good practice — it is something Transport Malta examiners specifically assess during the practical driving test.
Speed and Observation on Approach
A common mistake is approaching a roundabout too fast and then braking sharply. Instead, ease off the accelerator early, read the traffic already on the roundabout, and select the right gear for a smooth, controlled entry. In Malta's heavier urban traffic — think Msida, Qormi, or the Regional Road — roundabouts can back up quickly. Patience and early observation will keep you safe and in control.
Also watch out for cyclists and pedestrians crossing at roundabout exits. They have the right of way at designated crossings, and failing to give way is both dangerous and a serious fault in the driving test.
Practise Before the Big Day
If roundabouts make you nervous, the best cure is repetition. Ask your instructor to plan lessons that include a variety of roundabouts across Malta — each one has its own quirks in terms of road markings, sightlines, and traffic flow.
You can also use SteerClear, the Maltese app designed for learner drivers, to practise real driving test routes that include the roundabouts and junctions most commonly encountered during Transport Malta tests. Seeing the route in advance and understanding where the tricky decision points are can make a real difference to your confidence on the day.
Quick Recap
- Always give way to traffic already on the roundabout (from your right).
- Choose your lane on approach and stick to it.
- Signal correctly and at the right time.
- Approach at a controlled speed with early observation.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at exits.
Master these points and roundabouts will go from being a source of stress to one of the most manageable parts of driving in Malta. Keep calm, signal clearly, and give way — and you will sail through.