Driving Through Berwick's Roundabouts: A Local Learner's Guide

Roundabouts can be challenging for learner drivers, particularly when several vehicles approach or enter at the same time. Failing to give way can also result in an immediate termination error during the Victorian drive test if it creates danger or forces another road user to take evasive action.

For learners, understanding the give-way rules, choosing the correct lane and signalling at the right time are essential skills. Practising at different types of roundabouts around Berwick can help build these skills before the drive test.

The Victorian Rules, Stated Precisely

Victoria's roundabout rules appear in Part 9 (Rules 109–119) of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017. Rule 114 requires drivers entering a roundabout to give way to vehicles already in it and trams that are entering or approaching.

The key word is 'already'. Regardless of which road a vehicle entered from, if it is inside the roundabout before you reach the give-way line, you must give way.

Signalling is another important part of roundabout driving. Under the Victorian rules, drivers must indicate their intended direction when approaching:

• Turning left: Signal left before entering and keep indicating until you leave the roundabout.
• Turning right: Signal right when approaching. If practicable, signal left before exiting.
• Going straight: Do not signal when approaching. If practicable, signal left before exiting.

For multi-lane roundabouts, lane selection also matters. Drivers turning left generally approach from and remain in the left lane. Those turning right use the right lane, while drivers travelling straight can approach from either lane unless signs or road markings restrict their movement. Follow all lane arrows and signs, and avoid changing lanes while circulating.

When taking driving lessons in Berwick, your instructor can help you practise these rules in different traffic conditions, starting with quieter residential roundabouts before progressing to busier intersections.

The High Street and Wheeler Street Roundabout

The roundabout at High Street and Wheeler Street in Berwick presents a different challenge from smaller residential intersections.

For learners approaching from the Berwick Village direction, the downhill section of High Street requires careful speed control. You need to manage your braking, assess approaching traffic and identify a safe gap before reaching the give-way line.

Avoid focusing only on the vehicle immediately in front. Check for vehicles already circulating, assess their speed and position, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

It can help to observe this roundabout as a passenger before attempting it yourself. Pay attention to the approach, sightlines, traffic movements and the points where other drivers enter and exit. Discuss what you observe with your supervising driver or instructor before practising the route.

What Makes Berwick's Residential Roundabouts Different

Berwick's residential estates, including Timbarra and The Chase, offer a different driving environment from the busier intersections around High Street.

Smaller residential roundabouts around Parkhill Drive in Timbarra and Fairweather Parade or Chase Boulevard in The Chase can provide useful opportunities to practise basic roundabout skills, subject to the actual intersection layout and traffic conditions.

These locations allow learners to work on approaching at a safe speed, checking for vehicles already circulating, selecting a suitable gap and signalling before exiting.

However, practising only on quiet residential roundabouts can leave learners unprepared for busier intersections. A small roundabout with little traffic does not provide the same experience as a larger junction where several vehicles may approach from different directions.

A gradual practice routine works better. Start with a quiet residential roundabout, move to a busier intersection during an off-peak period, and then practise the same route when traffic is moderately heavier. Your supervising driver or instructor can help decide when you are ready for each step.

The Specific Moment Most Learners Hesitate

Knowing the give-way rule and judging a safe gap are two different skills. Some learners enter too early and force another driver to slow down or change direction. Others wait unnecessarily because they struggle to judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.

During the Victorian drive test, unsafe gap selection can result in an immediate termination error. Excessive hesitation may also affect the assessment if it disrupts traffic or shows that the learner cannot make safe and timely decisions.

The best way to improve is through repeated, supervised practice at the give-way line. Reduce your speed as you approach, check for vehicles already in the roundabout, assess their movement and wait until there is a safe gap.

You do not need to rush into the roundabout because another vehicle is waiting behind you. Take enough time to assess the traffic, then enter smoothly when it is safe.



During early practice, saying your observations aloud can help develop a consistent routine. For example, you might say, "Check right, assess the gap, enter when clear." With regular practice, these checks become a more natural part of your driving.