Signalling: when and how
Signals tell other road users what you plan to do, so they can plan too. Indicators are the main ones, but brake lights, arm signals, the horn and your headlights all send messages.
A good signal is clear, given at the right time and cannot be mistaken for something else. A badly timed signal can be worse than no signal at all.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can decide whether a signal would help anyone before you give it.
- You can time indicator signals so they do not suggest the wrong turning.
- You can recognise and give the three arm signals used by drivers.
- You can use the horn and headlight flash only for their proper purpose.
- You can read other road users' signals without trusting them blindly.
What you need to know and understand
- Signal before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off, if it would help or warn others.
- Cancel your indicator once you have finished the manoeuvre.
- If there is a side road before the one you want, signal as you pass it, not before.
- Flashing your headlights should only mean 'I am here'. Never assume another driver's flash means it is safe to go.
- You must not use your horn while stationary, or in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am, unless another road user poses a danger.
- An indicator on another vehicle may have been left on by mistake.
- Signalling does not give you priority.
Timing your indicators
Signal early enough that others have time to react, but not so early that it causes confusion. The classic problem is two turnings close together. If you want the second one and signal before the first, a driver waiting to come out of the first may think you are turning in and pull out in front of you. Wait until you are passing the first opening, then signal.
Pulling up on the left needs the same care. If you plan to stop just after a side road, signalling too soon could look like you are turning into it.
Arm signals and other ways to communicate
Arm signals back up your indicators, for example in bright sunshine or if a bulb has failed. Drivers give them with the right arm out of the window. They are rarely needed in a modern car, but you should know what each one means.
- Turning right or moving out to the right: right arm held straight out.
- Turning left or moving in to the left: right arm out, moved round in an anticlockwise circle.
- Slowing down or stopping: right arm out, moved slowly up and down.
- Brake lights: come on automatically when you brake and warn traffic behind that you are slowing.
- Hazard warning lights: for when you are stopped and causing a temporary obstruction, or briefly on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn of a hazard ahead. They are not a parking permit.
Reading other people's signals
Watch for signals from others, but treat them as information, not a promise. A car indicating left may go straight on. Wait until it actually starts to turn before you pull out. You must obey signals from police officers, traffic officers and traffic wardens, and signs used by school crossing patrols.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to cancel the indicator after a gentle turn. Glance at the dashboard light after every turn.
- Signalling too early for a turning beyond a side road. Wait until you are level with the first opening.
- Signalling out of habit when nobody is around to benefit. Check first, then decide.
- Pulling out because another car is indicating left. Wait for proof it is turning.
- Flashing headlights to invite someone out. It can mislead others and is not what flashes are for.
Test yourself: Signalling: when and how
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 103 to 106 (gov.uk); Highway Code rules 110 to 112 and 116 (gov.uk); Highway Code: Signals to other road users (gov.uk); DVSA Car and light van driving syllabus (category B), Unit 4. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.