USING SIGNALS CORRECTLY

The examiner will expect to see effective signals that are appropriate, given in good time, not conflicting and cancelled after the manoeuvre. Mistakes made with signals can result in faults being recorded. Failing to cancel a signal can result in a test failure.

Signals inform other road users of your intended action or manoeuvre. They should be used when they are appropriate and required. Use your indicators to give information when turning left or right at junctions, when changing lanes (dual carriageway) and when moving off from a parked position.

FALSE INDICATIONS

You must always be careful not to give false indications or signals that are conflicting. Timing can also play a crucial role here where there is a need to be precise with the timing of a signal. You should ensure enough time is given for other road users to react. 

An example of this would be to avoid indicating left too early for a T-Junction, if there was a side road on the left hand side before the end of the road.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Failing to cancel a signal can be a major fault
• Signals inform other road users of your actions
• Avoid giving false or conflicting signals
• Signals must be correctly timed 
• Poor planning can result in poor signals
• Never leave signals to the last second
• Use signals when leaving a roundabout
• Always cancel after use