When you need to signal

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

Where should you practise this?

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

Situations when you need to signal

• 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 signalling

• Always signal, even if you think that there is no one else around.
• Avoid signalling too early before a manoeuvre as this may confuse other people. At least 3 seconds ahead is the rule to keep to.
• Make sure you turn off your indicators once you’ve finished a manoeuvre.

Signalling at roundabouts

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