Command sign · R137
Roundabout sign (R137)
Travel clockwise around the central island.
What does the roundabout sign mean?
Travel clockwise around the central island.
What should you do?
Observe the entry controls and give way as required.
| Sign code | R137 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Command signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the roundabout sign
A blue circle containing three white arrows chasing each other clockwise.
Where you will see it
On roads where several roads meet around a central island.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Travel clockwise around the island.
- Give way to vehicles approaching from your right inside the roundabout when they are close enough to be a danger, and enter only when it is safe.
- Signal for your exit.
The common mistake
The blue sign tells you the direction of travel. The yield or give-way control at the entry (for example R2.2 at a mini-circle) tells you who goes first.
About command signs
Command signs tell you what you must do, such as keeping left or using a minimum speed. They are blue circles with white symbols. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the roundabout sign (R137) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: command signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: observe the entry controls and give way as required.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Speed signs and mandatory directions.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the roundabout sign with these:
Minimum speed (R101)A blue circle with a white number. It looks like a speed limit but is blue, not red-bordered.
Vehicles over indicated mass only (R102)A blue circle with a mass figure in tonnes (the sample artwork shows 10 t).
Keep left (R103)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the left.Test yourself: Roundabout sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Pedestrians may be on or near the road ahead.
- You may not park on this section of road.
- Travel clockwise around the central island.
Show the answer
Answer C: Travel clockwise around the central island.
Observe the entry controls and give way as required.
Memory tip: R137 · Roundabout
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Slow down and leave enough space.
- Find a permitted parking place. No parking and no stopping are different restrictions.
- Observe the entry controls and give way as required.
Show the answer
Answer C: Observe the entry controls and give way as required.
Roundabout: Travel clockwise around the central island.
Memory tip: Observe the entry controls and give way as required.
All vehicle codes
Roundabout sign: quick questions
What does the roundabout sign (R137) mean?
Travel clockwise around the central island.
What should you do at the roundabout sign?
Travel clockwise around the island. Give way to vehicles approaching from your right inside the roundabout when they are close enough to be a danger, and enter only when it is safe. Signal for your exit.
Where will you see the roundabout sign?
On roads where several roads meet around a central island.
What is the common mistake with the roundabout sign?
The blue sign tells you the direction of travel. The yield or give-way control at the entry (for example R2.2 at a mini-circle) tells you who goes first.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.