How to Use Driving Hand Signals – Driving Tips

All drivers must know and understand the hand signals that are used to communicate different actions like changing lanes or stopping. You may also be required to demonstrate the 3 basic hand signals on your driving test.

In this video, we will go through the hand signals for turning left, the hand signals for turning the right, and the hand signals for slowing down or stopping.

Although driving hand signals are rarely used, it’s important that you know how to identify them as well as how to do them yourself.

The right turn hand signal is indicated by extending your arm at a 90° angle upwards with your palm facing forward. The left turn hand signal is indicated by an arm straight out through the window. You can indicate that you are slowing down or stopping by extending your arm downward with your palm facing backward.

In general, using hand signals is a short-term solution that should only be used to transport your vehicle to a place where the problem can be solved or to handle an immediate situation. Do not rely on hand signals for an extended period as the chance of a crash will be far higher than normal.