Hand signals for driving are an essential part of road safety and communication, especially when using non-verbal methods to indicate intentions on the road. Whether you’re a new driver taking a driving test, a seasoned motorist, or even a motorcyclist, knowing the correct hand signals can help avoid confusion and ensure smooth driving experiences. In many countries, including Canada, the United States, and others, hand signals are not just practical but legally required in certain situations.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of hand signals, explain the different hand signals used by drivers, particularly those essential for driving tests, and discuss when and how to use these signals. We’ll also cover the hand signals that apply to motorcyclists and the role of hand signals in ensuring road safety.
What are Hand Signals for Driving?
Hand signals for driving are non-verbal indicators used by drivers to communicate their intentions to other road users, including other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Hand signals for driving are particularly important when a vehicle’s signaling system, such as turn indicators or brake lights, is malfunctioning. They also serve as a backup in case the vehicle’s lights are not visible, especially in broad daylight.
Hand signals for driving helps improve communication on the road, reducing the risk of accidents or misunderstandings. When driving, the appropriate hand signal can indicate various actions such as a turn, a stop, or changing lanes, providing a clear understanding of the driver’s intentions.
The Importance of Hand Signals for Road Safety
Proper use of hand signals contributes significantly to road safety by allowing drivers to communicate their intentions when other forms of communication, like vehicle lights, might not be sufficient or visible. Hand signals for driving ensure that other road users can anticipate a driver’s next move, allowing for smoother traffic flow and fewer accidents. The use of hand signals is not just a courtesy but is required by law in many countries.
Hand signals for driving are especially crucial in situations where visibility is limited, such as when riding a motorcycle or cycling, where a driver may not be able to use vehicle lights. In these cases, hand signals become the primary mode of communication.
Hand Signals for Driving Test
For anyone taking a driving test, it’s essential to master hand signals. Driving tests often require candidates to demonstrate their ability to use hand signals for driving properly. This includes signaling turns, lane changes, and stopping—all of which are important components of safe driving.
In driving tests, hand signals are evaluated to ensure that the driver is capable of using the right hand signals at the correct times. Using hand signals for driving incorrectly or failing to use them could result in points being deducted during the test or even lead to failing the test altogether. Candidates should practice the following hand signals thoroughly before taking their driving test.
7 Hand Signals for Driving
There are seven commonly used hand signals for driving, each one serving a specific purpose in communication with other road users. Here’s an overview of each hand signal, what it indicates, and how to perform it:
- Left Turn Hand Signal: To signal a left turn, extend your left arm out the driver’s side window at a 90-degree angle. Keep the palm facing forward, and your fingers extended. This signal should be used well in advance of making the left turn to give other road users enough time to react.
- Right Turn Hand Signal: To signal a right turn, extend your left arm out the driver’s side window, but this time bend your arm upwards at a 90-degree angle. Your fingers should be pointing upward, with your palm facing forward. Alternatively, drivers can use their right arm to signal a right turn by extending it out the window and bending the arm upward.
- Stop Hand Signal: To signal that you are stopping or slowing down, extend your left arm out of the window and point it downward with the palm facing back. This indicates to other drivers that you are slowing down or coming to a stop. This signal is crucial for ensuring that others are aware of your intentions when stopping.
- Lane Change Hand Signal: While lane change signals typically involve turn signals, hand signals can also be used. To signal a lane change to the left, extend your left arm out the driver’s side window and point it straight out. For a right lane change, extend your left arm at a 90-degree angle with your fingers pointing upward.
- Hand Signal for Slowing Down: To signal that you are slowing down, extend your arm downward with the palm facing backward, as if you were trying to slow the car down with your hand. This hand signal is similar to the stop signal but is intended to alert other drivers that you are decelerating, not coming to a full stop.
- Hand Signal for Motorcycle: Motorcyclists use a few different hand signals to communicate their intentions. For a left turn, the signal is the same as a car, with the left arm extended at a 90-degree angle. For a right turn, motorcyclists often use their right arm extended out, with the fingers pointing straight out. Additionally, for stopping or slowing down, motorcyclists extend their left arm out and point the fingers downward, just as drivers do.
- Hazard Warning Hand Signal: If you encounter an unexpected situation such as roadwork, a blocked lane, or a hazard ahead, extending your left arm at shoulder height and waving it up and down can indicate that there is an obstacle or hazard on the road.
6 Hand Signals for Driving Test
When taking a driving test, a candidate is typically required to demonstrate the use of several hand signals to ensure they can safely navigate various traffic situations. These include:
- Left Turn Signal: Extend your left arm out the driver’s side window at a 90-degree angle. Your fingers should be extended, and your palm should face forward. This signal indicates that you are about to make a left turn.
- Right Turn Signal: Extend your left arm out the window at a 90-degree angle, but this time point your fingers upward. This is the classic hand signal for making a right turn. Alternatively, you can use your right arm for this signal.
- Stop or Slow Down Signal: To indicate that you are stopping or slowing down, extend your left arm straight down with your palm facing back. This hand signal is critical for alerting drivers behind you that you are reducing speed.
- Lane Change Signal: When changing lanes, you should signal your intentions using the left arm extended outward. This hand signal is especially important for manual transmission vehicles that may not always have their indicators working correctly.
- Slowing Down Signal: If you’re gradually decelerating, you should extend your arm downward, with your palm facing backward, to signal to others that you’re slowing down.
- Hazard Warning Signal: If you encounter a road hazard, extending your arm at shoulder height and waving it up and down can indicate danger ahead or that there’s something unusual happening on the road.
Mastering these hand signals is crucial during a driving test because failure to use them properly can result in a failed test or missed driving opportunities.
Hand Signals for Driving with ICBC
The ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is responsible for ensuring road safety in the Canadian province of British Columbia, and it requires drivers to use hand signals in specific situations. Understanding and following the hand signals for driving can help you pass your ICBC driving test and ensure you’re a safe road user.
The following signals are key for driving in BC:
- Left Turn Signal: Left arm fully extended out the window, fingers pointing straight.
- Right Turn Signal: Left arm extended at a 90-degree angle, fingers pointing upward.
- Stop or Slow Down Signal: Left arm extended at a 90-degree angle, fingers pointing downward.
In British Columbia, the ICBC places emphasis on the safe use of hand signals, especially when vehicle indicators are not functioning. Drivers should use these signals to communicate their intentions clearly to other road users.
Motorcycle Hand Signals for Driving
Motorcyclists, just like car drivers, need to communicate their intentions on the road. Hand signals are particularly crucial for motorcyclists because they often have fewer visible indicators to rely on, especially when they are maneuvering in traffic. Here are the essential hand signals for motorcyclists:
- Left Turn: Extend your left arm fully out from the side of your body.
- Right Turn: Extend your right arm outward, or you can use the left arm bent upwards at a 90-degree angle.
- Stop: Extend your left arm out and point it downward, similar to the car stop signal.
Motorcyclists should always signal their intentions well in advance to prevent any confusion with other drivers.
Conclusion
Hand signals for driving are a critical part of road safety and communication. Whether you are preparing for a driving test or just navigating traffic, knowing the proper hand signals can help ensure your safety and that of others. These simple but effective gestures allow you to communicate non-verbally with other drivers and pedestrians, reducing the chance of accidents and improving the flow of traffic.
By mastering the hand signals for turns, stops, lane changes, and hazards, drivers—including motorcyclists—can navigate roads with greater confidence and clarity.
FAQs
- Why are hand signals important for driving? Hand signals are important for communicating intentions to other road users, especially when turn signals or brake lights are not visible or working.
- What are the 7 hand signals for driving? The seven key hand signals include signals for left and right turns, stopping or slowing down, lane changes, and hazard warnings.
- Do I need to use hand signals during a driving test? Yes, most driving tests require candidates to demonstrate proper use of hand signals, including for turns and stops, to show they understand road safety.
- How do I signal a left turn with my hand? Extend your left arm straight out the window, with your fingers pointing forward to indicate a left turn.
- What is the correct hand signal for stopping? Extend your left arm downward, with your palm facing the rear of the vehicle to signal that you are stopping or slowing down.
- Are hand signals required for motorcyclists? Yes, motorcyclists are required to use hand signals for turning and stopping, just like car drivers.
