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Rules of the road · about 2 min read

Indicators and signals of intention

Understand the rule, its conditions and how to apply it

What you will learn

  • Explain the purpose of this rule.
  • Apply the procedure and recognise its limitations.

Purpose and essential terms

An indicator communicates an intended turn or lane change. Brake lamps warn of slowing or stopping. These signals give others time to understand your plan, but do not grant you priority or reserve a gap.

Locate the indicator control while stationary and learn which movement selects left or right. Check that the lamps work. Signals must be conspicuous and given early enough, for long enough, to warn people approaching from relevant directions.

Key idea: An indicator communicates an intended turn or lane change.

How to apply the rule

Before a turn or lane change, observe ahead, check mirrors and the relevant blind spot, then indicate in good time. Recheck the intended path before moving: traffic can change while you signal. Move only when you can do so without obstructing or endangering others.

Choose timing that clearly relates to your intended turn rather than an earlier entrance. After completing the movement, confirm that the indicator has cancelled. A forgotten indicator may make someone believe you are turning again. Use the brake smoothly so following drivers have a useful warning when slowing.

Key idea: Stay in the current lane.

Conditions and easily confused points

“I indicated” is not a justification for forcing another driver to brake suddenly. A signal gives information, not permission. Similarly, hazard lights do not turn illegal parking into legal parking.

A hand signal has specific meanings and must not be improvised. The reference manual restricts hand signalling on freeways except for reasons beyond the driver’s control. Learn the actual vehicle’s lamp controls rather than relying on another model’s switch layout.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Worked road situation

You indicate to change lanes, then notice a car alongside in the blind spot.

  1. Stay in the current lane.
  2. Let the adjacent vehicle clear and reassess the available space.
  3. Check again and change lanes only when safe; cancel the signal after the move.

Quick recap

  • Stay in the current lane.
  • Let the adjacent vehicle clear and reassess the available space.
  • Check again and change lanes only when safe; cancel the signal after the move.

Practice questions on indicators and signals of intention

1 When should you signal a turn?

  1. Only after beginning the turn
  2. In good time so other road users can react
  3. Only if a vehicle is behind you
Show the answer

Answer B: In good time so other road users can react

Signal in good time before stopping or turning. Use direction indicators when turning or changing lanes. A signal must be visible long enough to warn others. Do not move between lanes if doing so obstructs or endangers traffic.

Memory tip: Signal early, but move only when safe.

All vehicle codes

2 Does using an indicator give you priority to change lanes?

  1. Yes, on a freeway
  2. Yes, after three flashes
  3. No, the move must still be safe
Show the answer

Answer C: No, the move must still be safe

Signal in good time before stopping or turning. Use direction indicators when turning or changing lanes. A signal must be visible long enough to warn others. Do not move between lanes if doing so obstructs or endangers traffic.

Memory tip: Signal early, but move only when safe.

All vehicle codes

3 Must you use direction indicators when changing lanes?

  1. Yes, indicate your intention
  2. Only at night
  3. Only when travelling above 60 km/h
Show the answer

Answer A: Yes, indicate your intention

Signal in good time before stopping or turning. Use direction indicators when turning or changing lanes. A signal must be visible long enough to warn others. Do not move between lanes if doing so obstructs or endangers traffic.

Memory tip: Signal early, but move only when safe.

All vehicle codes

4 A lane change would force another driver to brake suddenly. What should you do?

  1. Sound your horn and move
  2. Wait for a safe gap
  3. Move anyway because you signalled
Show the answer

Answer B: Wait for a safe gap

Signal in good time before stopping or turning. Use direction indicators when turning or changing lanes. A signal must be visible long enough to warn others. Do not move between lanes if doing so obstructs or endangers traffic.

Memory tip: Signal early, but move only when safe.

All vehicle codes

Part of the guide: Traffic lights (robots)

More rules of the road chapters

Sources: NaTIS Rules of the Road, PDF p. 32, sections 6.40–6.42; iDriving K53 manual, PDF pp. 91–102 (comparison; incomplete text extraction checked against official reference).

AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.