Does Driver's Training Still Teach Hand Signals?

With all the technology available in modern cars, it may seem like the use of hand signals has gone the way of the automat and gelatin dinner recipes - an interesting but outdated relic of the past. This is not the case, however! Knowing your hand signals is an essential skill when driving, so much so that some states even test for this during the behind-the-wheel examination.

In Case Of An Emergency

Driving is a dynamic activity. The conditions of the road and the vehicle may change without notice. This means there may be times your turn signals or brake lights are not working properly. If this technology fails you, the use of hand signals is essential to communicate with other drivers and pedestrians about your upcoming driving actions. A lack of visual communication with other drivers regarding your driving intentions could cause a crash - and no one wants that to happen. This is the reason why hand signals are still taught in Driver's Ed courses and tested in many states.

Right Turn

To indicate a right turn, the driver should lower the driver's window and put their left arm out in a "L" shape. The arm should be straight out from the shoulder and bent up towards the sky from the elbow to the hand at a ninety-degree angle. This will inform other drivers of their intention to turn right.

Left Turn

To indicate a left turn, the driver should completely extend the arm straight out the window. This will inform the other drivers on the road of your intention to make a left-hand turn.

Slow or Stop

To indicate a stop or that you are slowing down, the driver should extend their arm out straight from the shoulder, and at the elbow the arm should bend straight down towards the ground at as close to a ninety-degree angle as possible. This will allow other drivers to be prepared for your vehicle to slow down or stop.

When it comes to staying safe on the roads, it is always better to be over-prepared than not prepared at all, which is why hand signals are still taught. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our friendly Support Team and if you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Driver's Ed and book your driving lesson today.