Funny name, funny junction, named after a nearby farm. Let’s dive into this roundabout, which is often encountered early on in a driving test at Warwick.
This is the second in the series of posts to help you understand the tricky areas you may encounter.
The roundabout is a junction on the A46, with four exits and four approaches. The A46 passes under the junction, and it’s on a bend, which can cause issues with visibility (we’ll come to that later). The roads joining the roundabout bring you from Warwick or Birmingham, and the roundabout is signal controlled. There is an adjacent signal-controlled T-junction just after the Birmingham exit, and another on the Warwick exit. There’s plenty to tackle here, so let’s get into it.
Approaching from Warwick to go ahead, second exit
You may be asked to go ahead, second exit, on your test. The examiner will give you the direction before the set of traffic lights on the junction with Haywood Rd. You will need to stay in the left lane before the traffic lights, and then join the middle lane on the approach to the roundabout.
Take the left lane around the roundabout, and signal left to exit. The test route will take you left at the following set of traffic lights, so get into the left lane and stay there. Watch for the filter arrow for your left turn at the next junction.
Approaching from Warwick to turn right, third exit
Again, establish yourself early in the correct lane, before you reach the traffic lights with Haywood Road. The road markings in the right lane show an ahead arrow – don’t let this throw you off, you’re turning right.
As you approach the second exit, check your centre and left mirrors, and apply a left signal before going into the turn. There is very little space for you to take up the correct position to leave at the third exit, and there is a set of traffic lights before the third exit too.
Remember the bend I told you about before? The slip road does not give you a very good view of either the road ahead (thanks to a lot of greenery on the right of you), and even then, the view as you’re joining the flow of traffic is not very good. You will need effective observation in your right mirror, and a right blind-spot check to ensure you have a safe gap.
Approaching from Warwick to turn left, first exit
To join the A46 southbound towards Stratford, again make sure you stay in the left lane through the preceding traffic lights. The slip road is on a left bend, but the view is better than the northbound slip.
Approaching from Coventry
You may find yourself travelling southbound on the A46 from the direction of Coventry for the dual-carriageway portion of your test. The slip road exit is on a left bend, and you should prepare to slow down early on the slip road (not the carriageway!) as your view up towards the roundabout is restricted, and you may encounter queueing traffic. You will turn left at the roundabout and take the first exit. There is another signal-controlled T-junction just after this exit.
Lane markings
The roundabout is clearly marked, and has guidelines from the Warwick approach to help you stay in the correct position. Lane discipline is very important here; do not stray out of the guidelines to the left, as the lanes are narrow and you should be aware of traffic on your left.
Conclusion
Stanks roundabout is tricky – there are several pitfalls (poor visibility, multiple narrow approach lanes). It’s best to be prepared early on your approach. Keep a steady line, and if you find yourself in the wrong lane, go the wrong way – remember, it’s a driving test, not a navigation test.
If you would like to understand more about this roundabout, along with all the tricky areas you may encounter on a Warwick driving test, please feel free to get in touch.
