

Hold the signal for about 3 seconds before making your turn or coming to a stop.
#HAND SIGNALS FOR DRIVING TEST DRIVERS#
This gives other drivers and cyclists time to react and gives you the chance to put both hands back on the handlebars as you turn or stop. When possible, signal about 100 feet before you intend to turn or stop. This gives you a better idea of what is happening on the road around you – and increases the likelihood of them noticing your signals. For each, make sure that you look back quickly and make eye contact with others on the road. The Bike Hand Signals That You Need to Knowīelow are three primary bike hand signals that you should use. If you’re group riding in a peloton or simply in an area where a lot of people are cycling, using hand signals can warn them of your intention to stop, slow down, or turn – giving them the time that they need to react appropriately. While there is still a chance of a motor vehicle driving carelessly and hitting you while you’re on your bike, signaling your intentions can make this possibility less likely.īeyond motorists, learning signals is vital to the safety of other bicyclists. While there are many possible causes of these accidents, like potholes and poor road conditions, many crashes occur because of misunderstandings between motorists and cyclists.īike hand signals are a way to reduce the risk of being hit by a car. In 2015 alone, more than 1,000 bicyclists died and almost 467,000 bicyclists suffered injuries in accidents and crashes. Below, we outline the top three signals that you need to know to stay safe on the road and ensure predicting riding. If you aren’t using bike hand signals, now is the perfect time to start. Learning three basic bike hand signals can protect you from danger and help to prevent bike crashes. Although these laws regarding bike hand signals are rarely enforced, using hand signals is incredibly important for all bicyclists, as a way to alert others of their intended movements. This includes the importance of signaling your intentions when you are turning or changing lanes.Īcross the United States, bicyclists are required to use signals to let others know what they plan to do. However, they will still need to recognize hand signals when they are used by other drivers and cyclists.Before you get a driver’s license, you typically have to take a test that demonstrates your understanding of the rules of the road.

Kentucky represents the only exception to this rule, as their drivers are currently not required to use hand signals during the test. It is recommended in most states that drivers use hand signals in very bright sunlight when their lights may not be visible, and when a row of cars may obscure their turn indicators from other drivers.Īs we mentioned earlier, your ability to recognize and perform hand signals will be assessed during the driving exam. Thus, the ability to recognize hand signals is essential.Įven with fully-functional turn indicators you may sometimes need to use hand signals when preparing to turn. Furthermore, cyclists use hand signals to indicate turns, lane changes and stops all the time! It is highly likely that you will need to share the road with cyclists at some point. Your vehicle may be new and unlikely to malfunction, but the same cannot be said of every other car you encounter while driving. What new drivers often do not consider, is that they will also need to recognize hand signals when they are used by other motorists and cyclists. Obviously, remembering your hand signals will be vital if your turn signals fail and you must communicate your intentions to other drivers. Hand signals for drivingĪll drivers must easily be able to recall hand signals for two reasons. Turn indicators may also be used as a substitute for emergency flashers, if the latter signaling device is not functional.
#HAND SIGNALS FOR DRIVING TEST MANUAL#
This distance may vary slightly in different states, so we recommend checking your own driving manual for details.

In most states, the turn signal must be engaged at least 100 feet prior to a turn and kept on until the maneuver is complete. Drivers should activate their turn signals early enough to allow motorists behind them time to register and respond. You must activate your turn indicators when changing lanes, exiting or entering a traffic circle or making a turn. Turn signals are the most effective way to communicate most of the intended maneuvers to other road users. Your knowledge of hand signals will also be assessed during the driving test, so it is essential to master them. This is unlikely to happen, but you must be prepared for all eventualities. Hand signals should only be used if other signaling tools – such as turn indicators and brake lights – are malfunctioning.
