Police and Authorised Person Hand Signals Explained

Signs and signals are essential for maintaining safety on the roads, but it’s not just permanent signs you need to be aware of. Certain authorised individuals can also direct traffic using hand signals. However, since these are not encountered daily, it’s easy to overlook or misunderstand them. Leo Driving School is here to break down these signals, ensuring you're well-prepared for any situation on the road.

Who Can Legally Signal You to Stop?

While various road users, such as cyclists and drivers, may give arm signals, only certain authorised individuals can legally direct you to stop. These include:

Police officers
Traffic officers
Driving Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) officers
School crossing patrols

These individuals will wear an official uniform identifying them as having the authority to direct traffic. Failing to comply with their instructions can result in fines, points on your licence, or even disqualification.

For the theory test, it’s important to familiarise yourself with police and authorised persons’ hand signals. Leo Driving School recommends revising with resources like the official DVSA handbook or the AA theory test book.

Police Officer Hand Signals

Police officers commonly use six types of hand signals:

Stopping Traffic:

Traffic from the front must stop: The officer holds one arm outstretched in front.

Traffic from behind must stop: The officer raises an arm with the palm facing the traffic behind them.

Traffic from both directions must stop: The officer raises both arms simultaneously.

Beckoning traffic on

From the front: The officer waves traffic forward with one arm.

From behind: The officer motions traffic forward with one arm directed behind them.

Tips for Learning Police Hand Signals

Understanding these signals is crucial to avoid confusion. Here’s how to master them:

Test Yourself: Cover captions under images of signals and identify their meanings.
Practise with Others: Ask friends or family members to imitate signals and quiz you on their meanings.
Learn by Doing: Perform the arm signals yourself, as physical actions often aid memory.

When Are Police Hand Signals Used?

Managing Traffic Accidents: Officers often use signals to safely direct vehicles around incidents.
Broken Traffic Lights: Officers may take control at busy junctions if signals malfunction.
Pulling You Over: Typically, police use flashing blue lights and indicators from their vehicle, but they may occasionally use hand signals on foot.

Always obey a police officer’s hand signals—failure to comply is against the law.

School Crossing Patrols (Lollipop Persons)

On pedestrian-heavy school routes, lollipop persons use clear signals to direct traffic:

Not Ready to Cross: The lollipop is held at their side.

Barrier to Stop Pedestrians: The lollipop is extended horizontally to prevent crossing.

Prepare to Stop for Pedestrians: The lollipop is raised, and vehicles must be ready to stop.

All Vehicles Must Stop: The lollipop is held upright, facing the road.

You must stop when instructed, as failing to do so endangers pedestrians, especially children.

Road Users’ Arm Signals

Drivers, cyclists, and horse riders can also use arm signals to indicate their intentions. While vehicle indicators are the primary method of signalling, arm signals can emphasise or replace indicators in emergencies.

Turn Left: Extend your arm out and move it in a circular motion.

Turn Right: Hold your arm outstretched to the side.

Slow Down or Stop: Raise and lower your arm with the palm facing down.

Ensure your vehicle's indicators or brake lights are repaired promptly if faulty, as arm signals are for temporary use.

Responding to Police and Authorised Persons

Communication is two-way. If needed, you can use hand signals to inform the authorised person of your intentions:

Go Straight On: Hold your arm out with the palm forward.

Turn Left: Indicate this with an extended arm moving leftwards.

Turn Right: Extend your arm out to the right.

FAQs

Are Traffic Officers the Same as Police?
No, traffic officers (e.g., Highways England) are not police, but they can direct traffic on motorways and A roads. DVSA officers can direct traffic on any road. It is illegal to ignore their signals.
Will Hand Signals Be on My Theory Test?
Yes, you may need to interpret hand signals correctly during the test.
Will I Need to Demonstrate Hand Signals on My Driving Test?
Rarely, but it’s important to know them. In case of indicator or brake light failure, understanding manual signals is crucial.