A Learner's Guide to Car Signals

Whilst driving it is vital to let other road users know what your driving intentions are. Giving clear and precise signals lowers the risk of misunderstandings which can have potentially dangerous consequences. And fellow road users appreciate the courtesy of being given clear and precise signals so they don't have to stop for no reason and wait to see what you are going to do.

Using and responding to signals is a fundamental aspect of safe driving. If UK learner driver fails to use signals correctly or responds to a signal incorrectly they can fail their driving test.

Indicators: These are used to signal an intention to move out or change direction. Indicators should be used in a way that gives plenty of time for other road users to respond safely to the signal. If a road user doesn't seem to be reacting correctly to your signal, don't continue the manoeuvre until you are sure they have seen you. Avoid using your indicators to give ambiguous signals. For instance, you intend to stop at the side of the road just after a left turn, you shouldn't indicate until you are past the left turning or other road users may conclude you intend to turn left. You do not need to signal if no other road users are in your vicinity. Ensure the indicator is canceled once you have finished the manoeuvre. Failure to do so could mislead other road users.

The Horn: Use the horn to alert another road user who you think may not have noticed that you are there. You should not use it aggressively or to tell off another road user. Remember it is illegal to use your horn when you are stationary or in a built-up area between 11.30pm and 7.00am except when another moving vehicle poses a danger to you.

Brake Signal: Each time you press the brake pedal the rear, red warning lights are activated, giving a signal to other road users behind that you are slowing down. You can also engage the brake pedal to warn other road users that you intend to slow for a hazard which they may not yet seen. Other uses for the brake lights include when stopped at roadwork's or traffic light at night. Press the brake so that approaching traffic from behind are made aware of your presence.

Headlamp Flash: This signal has only one official meaning, to alert another road user to your presence and should be used in circumstances where a horn may not be heard such as when traveling at speed on a motorway or at night when using the horn is prohibited. Never flash your headlights to show aggression or anger. You may know what you mean but the other driver may not which can have potentially dangerous consequences. If a driver flashes their head lights at you never assume it is an invitation to drive on. The signal may mean 'stop, I'm coming through'. Always wait until you are certain what the other driver is doing before driving on. If you were to respond to a head light flash in this way while on your driving test you would fail the test.

Reversing Signal: When you put your car into reverse gear white reversing lights come on at the back of the car. They are useful as they signal to other road users your intentions such as when reverse parallel parking.

Hazard Warning Lights: These warn other road users of a hazard. You should only use them when your car has broken down, when your car is temporarily obstructing traffic or when driving on a motorway or dual carriageway to warn other road users of a hazard ahead.

You should not use them when parking dangerously or illegally or whilst towing a trailer of other vehicle.