Understanding Driving Signals
Understanding driving signals, their use and their interpretation is crucial to communicating with the drivers around you on the road. Learning to drive doesn't stop at controlling your vehicle, nor does buying a car start with a joy ride; it also requires an ability to show the people around you your intentions in a clear, understandable way and reading their intentions correctly. While the longer you drive the better you will become at this, all young drivers should know how to use and read driving signals before they get behind the wheel.
Use and Misuse of Signals
One of the main ways you will be showing those around you on the road what you are planning is with your indicators or turning lights. You must indicate any planned turn or change of lanes by law if there are any other vehicles around you, no matter what direction they are going in. Your signal should be activated early enough to give them plenty of time to react and adapt to your move, yet if you signal too early you will cause confusion about where exactly you are planning to turn.
Something to avoid while using your turn signals is the possibility of them cancelling before you make the turn and then turning without your indicators flickering. Always pay attention to both the clicking sound of your indicators and the dashboard arrow light. If you turn without a light flashing it could cause serious confusion and panic to those around you on the road.
Another feature of your car which allows you to communicate with those around you is your car horn. The horn should only ever be used to alert another driver, cyclist or pedestrian of your presence on the road if they are not aware of it and you or they are in direct danger. It should not be used to express anger or to intimidate those around you and it is illegal to sound your horn while stationary unless another vehicle poses a direct threat to you.
Like the horn, many drivers misuse their headlights. Flashing your headlights should also only be used to let other drivers know you are on the road in an area where the horn will not be heard. Many drivers flash their headlights to tell those around them numerous different things, so it is easy to misread their meaning. Therefore only ever flash your headlights for the proper purpose.
Hand Signals
Hand signals should only be used on the road if your lights are not working. If this is the case you are legally obliged to get your lights fixed immediately. However, they may have broken while in the middle of a journey so you need to know how to use and interpret hand signals properly.
All hand signaling in the U.K. should be performed with the right arm out the right front window of the car. To indicate a right turn the driver extends a straight arm, horizontally out their window. To indicate a left turn the driver should push their arm out at a right angle, pointing up but moving to the left. If the driver's brake lights have failed they may point their arm straight down to indicate they are about to stop.
Driving well requires an ability to communicate with the other people on the road in a manner that is clear, non-aggressive and calm. Understanding driving signals and the way they are used is the central component of this communication. So, if you are learning to drive, understand there is more to it than simply making the car move.