When to Signal While Driving

Using the correct signals is essential to inform other road users about your intentions. When done properly, signalling provides others with enough time to react and take necessary action. Failing to signal, or mistiming signals, can result in serious accidents. Therefore, understanding when to signal—and when it isn’t necessary—is crucial for safe driving.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of signals drivers can use, when they should (and shouldn’t) be applied, and their role in the driving test.

Types of Signals on the Road

When driving, it’s essential to communicate effectively with all road users—whether they’re drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. By signalling appropriately, you help maintain safety on the road. Here are the key ways to signal your intentions:

  1. Indicators
    Indicators are perhaps the most commonly used and vital signalling tools. They allow drivers to alert others when they’re about to change direction or position on the road.
  2. Brake Lights
    When you press the brake pedal, the red lights at the rear of your vehicle illuminate to indicate that you’re slowing down. If a vehicle is tailgating you, gently tapping the brake pedal (without significantly reducing speed) can signal them to back off and increase the following distance.
  3. Road Position
    Your position on the road can also act as a signal. For example, if you’re planning to turn right, positioning your vehicle towards the right-hand side of your lane (along with using your indicators) can inform others of your intentions while providing space for those turning in the opposite direction.
  4. Hazard Lights
    Hazard lights activate all your vehicle’s indicators simultaneously. They should only be used sparingly in the following situations:
  5. Horn
    The horn should be used solely to alert other road users to your presence, especially if there’s a potential danger. It shouldn’t be used when stationary or in built-up areas between 11 pm and 7 am, except in emergencies.
  6. Headlights
    Some drivers flash their headlights to signal others to proceed. However, this can be dangerous if the road ahead isn’t clear. According to the Highway Code, headlights should only be flashed to warn others of your presence. Always ensure it’s safe before responding to such signals.

The MSM Routine

When preparing to change direction or position, it’s essential to follow the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine.

For example, if you’re turning left at a junction:

  1. Check your mirrors to assess traffic behind you.
  2. Indicate your intention to turn left.
  3. Manoeuvre safely, checking your mirrors again before making the turn.

The same procedure applies if you use brake lights to warn a driver behind you to increase their following distance. Remember, signalling does not give you priority; always ensure it’s safe before acting.

When to Signal—and When Not To

While it’s vital to know how to signal, understanding when to signal is equally important. The Highway Code provides some guidance:

  1. Moving Off and Stopping
  2. Passing Parked Vehicles
  3. Turning at Junctions
  4. Overtaking and Changing Lanes
  5. On Roundabouts

Timing and Clarity

Proper timing is crucial when signalling. Signalling too early or too late can confuse other road users and lead to accidents. For example, signalling to stop before passing a side road may cause others to think you intend to turn into it.

Key points to remember:

  • Observe carefully: Ensure you’re aware of who might be affected by your actions.
  • Signal clearly: Avoid signalling in a way that might mislead others.
  • Cancel signals promptly: Failing to do so can cause confusion for other road users.

Signalling and the Driving Test

During your driving test, the examiner will evaluate your ability to use signals correctly. They’ll expect you to:

  • Signal in good time—not too early or too late.
  • Signal only when necessary, such as before changing direction, moving off, or approaching a junction.
  • Cancel signals promptly after completing a manoeuvre.

You could receive minor or major faults for:

  • Failing to signal when needed.
  • Giving misleading signals.
  • Leaving signals on unnecessarily.

While over-signalling might not lead to a fault, failing to signal when required could result in a test failure.

In Summary

Signalling isn’t always a straightforward process. While certain situations require you to signal, others depend on your judgement. Becoming a confident and safe driver involves assessing each scenario and responding appropriately.

At Leo Driving School, we help learners master the skills needed to signal effectively and safely. With time and practice, you’ll gain the confidence to make the right decisions every time you’re on the road.

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