Indicating at the right time, in the right situations will tell everyone where you’re heading.

Animation of a car coming towards you with it's right then left indicators flashing

Where should you practise this?

It's a good idea to know all the situations where you have to indicate. Check out this skill before you start driving.

Situations when you need to indicate

  • Pulling out from, or returning to, the kerb
  • Entering or leaving a parking space
  • Turning
  • Changing lanes
  • At a roundabout
  • Crossing the centreline
  • Merging when your lane ends (like when you’re entering a motorway)
  • Whenever you have to move further than the width of your car (like when you’re passing a parked car or cyclist on a narrow road).

Tips about indicating

  • Always indicate, even if you think that there is no one else around.
  • Avoid indicating too early before a manoeuvre as this may confuse other people. At least three seconds ahead is the rule to keep to.
  • Make sure you turn off your indicators once you’ve finished a manoeuvre.

Indicating at roundabouts

Good indicating is essential at roundabouts but it’s something a lot of people get wrong. Luckily it’s pretty simple once you know the rules.

When you’re approaching the roundabout:

  • If you’re turning left, indicate left.
  • If you’re turning right (ie travelling more than half way around), indicate right.
  • If you’re going straight don’t indicate yet.
  • When you’re about to exit the roundabout, indicate left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.

Are you test ready?

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