Tushmore Gyratory, Crawley – How to Navigate This Tricky Spiral Roundabout
Preparing for your Crawley driving test? Learn how to approach Tushmore Gyratory safely, understand spiral lanes, choose the correct lane and avoid common driving test mistakes.
If you are learning to drive in Horsham, Crawley or anywhere in Sussex and you will take your driving test in Crawley, you need to learn Tushmore Gyratory. It is a spiral, multi-lane roundabout that appears on a large share of Crawley test routes.
Crawley is the local driving test area for Horsham. Learners from Horsham normally take their practical test at Crawley Driving Test Centre, so the junctions around Crawley matter just as much to Horsham learners.
Video: The ULTIMATE GUIDE to spiral (Gyratory) roundabouts – Tushmore multi-lane roundabout, Crawley, by Driving Crawley
Tushmore Gyratory at a glance
Always follow the actual road signs, lane markings and traffic signals, as layouts can change.
What is Tushmore Gyratory?
Tushmore Gyratory is one of the more challenging road junctions in Crawley, West Sussex. Situated around the A23 and A2011 road network, it is an important junction for traffic travelling through Crawley.
Unlike a simple single-lane roundabout, Tushmore has multiple traffic lanes and a more complicated layout. Drivers must plan ahead, interpret road markings and follow the correct lane towards their intended exit.
For learner drivers, this can initially feel intimidating, particularly when approaching in heavy traffic or following unfamiliar directions.
However, with a little preparation and practice, Tushmore Gyratory becomes much easier to understand.
Why is Tushmore Gyratory difficult for learner drivers?
There are several reasons why learners find this junction challenging.
1. Multiple lanes
There are several lanes to choose from, and selecting the appropriate lane before reaching the junction is particularly important.
2. Spiral lane markings
Spiral lane layouts are designed to guide vehicles towards their exits. Drivers must understand how to follow these markings without drifting into another lane.
3. Heavy traffic
Traffic can be busy, especially during morning and evening commuting periods. Learners need to maintain good observations and allow adequate space around their vehicle.
4. Decisions must be made early
Waiting until the last moment to choose a lane can create unnecessary stress and lead to unsafe manoeuvres.
5. Following unfamiliar directions
During a driving test, the examiner or sat nav may ask you to take an unfamiliar exit. You must interpret the signs and road markings while continuing to drive safely.
Understanding spiral roundabouts
A spiral roundabout differs from a conventional roundabout because the lane markings are designed to guide vehicles progressively towards particular exits.
On a conventional roundabout, a driver turning right will often enter using the right-hand lane and move towards the outside when preparing to leave.
On a spiral roundabout, the road markings may guide a vehicle progressively outwards without the driver needing to make a separate lane change.
The golden rule is to follow the lane markings and directional signs, rather than simply assuming you must move left to exit.
Never cut across another marked lane to reach your exit.
How to approach Tushmore Gyratory safely
Step 1 – Read the signs early
As you approach the junction, look for advance direction signs showing the available destinations.
Identify where you intend to go and begin planning your lane selection.
Do not rely on the number of the exit alone. On a complicated junction, destination signs and road markings are often more helpful.
Step 2 – Choose your lane
Look for lane-direction arrows and destination markings on the road.
Position your vehicle in the appropriate lane in good time.
Remember that the correct lane may not always be the one you would expect on a simple roundabout.
Step 3 – Adjust your speed
Approach at a speed that gives you enough time to read the road markings, observe surrounding traffic and respond safely.
Avoid rushing into the junction simply because other vehicles are travelling quickly.
Step 4 – Follow your lane
Once you enter the gyratory, concentrate on following the lane markings.
Do not assume that you need to change lanes just because your exit is approaching.
Watch particularly carefully for vehicles alongside you.
Step 5 – Leave safely
Check your mirrors and signal appropriately without misleading other road users.
Follow the marked route towards your exit and be aware of vehicles travelling in adjacent lanes.
If you find yourself in the wrong lane, continue safely in the direction permitted by that lane.
Never make a sudden lane change to rescue a missed exit.
Common mistakes at Tushmore Gyratory
| Common mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Choosing the wrong approach lane | Read the signs and arrows early |
| Drifting between spiral lanes | Follow the lane boundaries carefully |
| Cutting across another lane to exit | Continue in your marked lane |
| Forgetting mirror checks | Check mirrors before changing direction or position |
| Driving too quickly | Approach at a manageable speed |
| Panicking after missing an exit | Continue safely and allow the route to be corrected |
Will Tushmore Gyratory appear on your Crawley driving test?
In our experience Tushmore Gyratory is on about 75% of Crawley test routes, so it is highly likely that you will need to know all about it.
Tushmore Gyratory is identified by several driving-test preparation websites as a challenging junction in the Crawley test area.
However, the DVSA does not publish current driving test routes, and no particular junction is guaranteed to appear.
The examiner may direct you around the junction, or you may encounter it during the independent-driving section of your test.
It is therefore worth practising Tushmore from different approaches, rather than simply memorising one route.
What happens if you take the wrong exit during your driving test?
This is something many learner drivers worry about unnecessarily.
Taking a wrong turning does not automatically mean you will fail your driving test.
The examiner is assessing whether you can drive safely, not whether you have an excellent sense of direction.
If you realise you are in the wrong lane, do not panic or make a dangerous last-minute manoeuvre.
Follow the lane safely and allow the examiner or sat nav to redirect you.
You are far more likely to receive a serious fault for cutting across traffic than for taking a wrong exit safely.
Practising Tushmore Gyratory with your driving instructor or parents
Before attempting this junction independently, we recommend practising with a qualified driving instructor.
Once you understand the layout, additional supervised practice can help develop confidence.
Try approaching the gyratory from different directions and taking different exits.
Initially, practise during quieter periods so that you can concentrate on understanding the lane markings without excessive traffic pressure.
As your confidence develops, practise during busier periods with suitable supervision.
Parents supervising learners should avoid giving complicated last-minute instructions. Instead, explain the intended destination early and allow the learner time to plan.
Our top five tips for Tushmore Gyratory
1. Plan early: Know your destination before reaching the junction.
2. Read the road: Direction signs and lane arrows are essential.
3. Follow the markings: Do not cut across spiral lanes.
4. Check your mirrors: Be aware of vehicles alongside you.
5. Stay calm: If you miss your exit, continue safely.
Learn more about driving in Crawley
Tushmore Gyratory is just one of several challenging junctions worth practising before your driving test.
Our free online driving course also covers Pease Pottage Roundabout, mini-roundabouts, junctions, lane discipline, independent driving and practical test preparation.
Whether you're learning with an instructor or practising with your parents, our aim is to help you become a safer, more confident and more independent driver.
Visit Learning to Drive in Horsham for free driving lessons, practical advice and Crawley driving test preparation resources.
Related guides and lessons
Learn the step-by-step spiral roundabout routine, lane discipline and golden rules.
Explore the local test routes used around Crawley and Horsham, with map previews and advice.
Detailed guide and instructor video on navigating the key roundabout next to the Crawley test centre.
Explore our complete structured online course from car controls to practical test readiness.
Important: This guide explains general safe-driving principles. Always follow the actual road signs, lane markings and traffic signals at the junction, as road layouts can change.