The D1 road sign indicates a roundabout where you must circulate in a counterclockwise direction. This sign is placed before the entrance to the roundabout and obliges all road users to follow the indicated flow. Remember to yield to traffic already on the roundabout when entering, as this is a crucial rule for safely navigating Dutch intersections.
Learn the key details of the D1 - Roundabout — Counterclockwise Only road sign, including its function, what it communicates to drivers, and how it applies in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Use this overview to understand the sign clearly and recognise it confidently during the Dutch driving theory exam.
D1 is a blue mandatory direction sign that marks the presence of a roundabout and prescribes the circulation direction. All drivers must follow the arrow and drive counterclockwise around the central island instead of turning in the usual manner at a junction. It is typically placed at each entry and works together with yield signs, shark-tooth markings, and lane arrows to organize priority, lane use, and safe traffic flow.
This sign tells you that you are approaching or entering a roundabout and must drive around it in a counterclockwise direction. You must follow the circular roadway around the central island and choose your exit without cutting straight across. Adjust your speed, look carefully to the left for traffic already on the roundabout, and be prepared to yield where required by signs and markings.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the D1 - Roundabout — Counterclockwise Only road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
The D1 sign strictly mandates that you must drive around the roundabout in a counterclockwise direction. This is a mandatory flow that all road users must adhere to unless specific exceptions are indicated by supplementary signs.
Counterclockwise means you will be travelling around the central island of the roundabout to your right. In the Netherlands, this is the standard direction for most roundabouts unless otherwise signed.
No, the D1 sign indicates the direction of flow but does not grant priority upon entry. You must always yield to vehicles that are already circulating on the roundabout, regardless of the direction they are travelling, as per general Dutch traffic rules.
A common mistake is not understanding that the D1 sign dictates a mandatory direction. Learners might incorrectly assume they have priority, or attempt to drive clockwise if they are unfamiliar with Dutch roundabout conventions. Always observe the sign and be prepared to yield.
While the D1 sign generally enforces counterclockwise circulation, supplementary signs can sometimes indicate exceptions or specific lane usage. Always check for additional signs around the roundabout entrance and within the roundabout itself.
The primary prohibited action is driving clockwise around the roundabout. You are also prohibited from ignoring the roundabout's layout or entering against the designated flow. The rule is to circulate counterclockwise.
A clear reference image of the D1 - Roundabout — Counterclockwise Only road sign used in the Netherlands.
The D1 - Roundabout — Counterclockwise Only road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The D1 - Roundabout — Counterclockwise Only road sign is part of the Mandatory Direction Signs (D) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.