Signalling and indicators
A signal tells other road users what you are about to do. This chapter covers when to signal, when to use your indicators and what the vehicle must be fitted with. The test asks about all three.
When must you signal?
You must signal when you intend to stop, or to turn left or right. Give the signal in good time. Other road users need time to react to it.
What makes a signal good enough?
A signal must do three things:
- be conspicuous (easy to notice)
- be visible to any person approaching from the front, from the rear or from the side
- last long enough to warn that person of what you intend to do
When must you use your indicators?
You must use your direction indicators each time you turn left or right on a public road. You must also use them each time you change lanes. This is compulsory (you have no choice).
What indicators must a car have?
A motor vehicle may not be driven on a public road unless it has flasher type direction indicators on both sides. A light motor vehicle must be equipped with direction indicators.
When the indicators are in use:
- the lamp must show an intermittently flashing light (a light that flashes on and off)
- the light must be clearly visible in normal daylight at a distance of 30 metres to a person of normal eyesight
- to the front, the light must be white, yellow or amber
- to the rear, the light must be yellow, amber or red
What reflectors must a car have at the back?
A light motor vehicle must have two red retro-reflectors (reflectors) on the rear. One must be fitted on each side.
The fine print
Each direction indicator on a light motor vehicle must have a lamp.
Numbers to remember
- 30 metres: how far away an indicator's flashing light must be clearly visible in normal daylight
- Two red retro-reflectors on the rear of a light motor vehicle, one on each side
Mistakes learners make
- Signalling only when you turn. You must also signal when you intend to stop, and use your indicators each time you change lanes.
- Signalling at the last moment. A signal must be given in good time and must last long enough to warn others.
- Mixing up the indicator colours. White is allowed only to the front and red only to the rear.
Test yourself
Question 1
You are driving on a public road and intend to stop your vehicle. What are you required to do before stopping?
Show answer
Answer: B: Give a signal that shows your intention to stop
Before you stop, you must give a signal that shows you are going to stop.
Question 2
When must a driver who intends to stop or turn give the required signal?
Show answer
Answer: B: In good time
You must give the signal in good time, which means early, before you stop or turn.
Question 3
Which ONE of the following is NOT a requirement for the signal given by a driver who intends to stop or turn?
Show answer
Answer: A: It must be accompanied by the sounding of the hooter
The signal must last long enough to warn people; no hooter is required with it.
Question 4
The use of direction indicators is compulsory on a public road in certain cases. Which ONE of the following is NOT one of them?
Show answer
Answer: B: Driving straight ahead in the same lane
You must use indicators for every turn; driving straight on in your lane is not on the list.
Question 5
You are driving on a public road with several lanes and intend to move from your lane into the lane beside it. What is compulsory when doing so?
Show answer
Answer: A: Making use of the direction indicators
You must use your direction indicators every time you change lanes.
Question 6
A driver is required to give a signal of certain intentions. Which ONE of the following is NOT one of those intentions?
Show answer
Answer: C: The intention to increase speed
Turning left and turning right both need a signal; going faster is not on the list.
Reading is slow. A five-minute DRIVE teaches you this faster.
Go for a DRIVE