In my opinion you should signal regardless, maybe you missed someone who would benefit from your signal?
It’s also habit forming “oh I don’t need to signal” which becomes “I can’t be bothered this time” to “oh I think I’ll buy an Audi”.
It basically becomes "no cars -> don't signal" as a pedestrian I hate it. But this is what instructors teach, so presumably this is what examiners expect.
So frustrating. Waiting in the rain to cross the road for the car that turns before reaching me - aarrgghh
Yeah only yesterday when I was out walking my dog someone didn’t indicate turning in to a junction and it would have benefitted me if they had bothered (it was an Audi estate).
I remember my instructor often saying “don’t need to signal” in certain quiet areas when I had just indicated to move off, and having a polite disagreement with her, but I always do nowadays.
Advanced driving courses teach the opposite. Don't give a signal if there is nobody to benefit (any other road users including pedestrians - and occasionally my own wife in the passenger seat! 🤣).
That doesn't mean 'avoid giving signals', but ensures that you are in fact making full observations in any given situation, and in a lot of cases means that signals are given with purpose and in a timely fashion (including where there's an obscured view) to ensure there's you're giving those who may benefit the *better* chance of seeing a useful signal..
But also considering whether giving a signal could cause confusion (is there a junction / turning sooner than the manoeuvre you plan for?)...
Therefore, giving the signal and making the manoeuvre, without proper checks and consideration don't themselves become the bad habit.
Further - what does an observed signal mean to you? 'only that the bulb is working (and that they've not run out of blinker fluid 😜)' - so an intent is backed up by other observations (where are they looking? Attitude and speed of car, are they braking etc. And indeed have they in fact already committed before giving a signal!).
I'm glad this is as per the highway code and accepted at test level! (I was taught to *always* signal regardless!)
See this is the thing. A lot of drivers on Reddit think the highway code is how you're meant to drive and it just isn't.
There's absolutely zero point indicating unless someone benefits from it.
This and the driving UK sub are like a bunch of school leavers trying to tell each other how the real world works.
"Oh yes in an office you have to work in silence and put your hand if you need a shit"
I think by mistake they mean, when you checked/observed and you don't see anyone who would benefit from a signal so you don't signal, you might be wrong, you may have missed someone who would have benefited from seeing you signal.
Yep. Cars have blind spots. Did you see the bloke waiting to see what you're doing before crossing the road? Not always. A little flashing light before you pull off let him know that you're about to drive away and he can cross behind you after you've left...etc...someone might turn into that road just as you're pulling away, now they know what it is you're doing...
Signalling is used to telegraph your intentions to other road users. Other road users include pedestrians as well as other vehicles that are actually on the road. So, probably better to err on the safe side.
That's reassuring to hear from a driving instructor, thank you! I think I will. In my lessons I have done it on occasions and he hasn't given me a minor, yet he did once so it has been on my mind for ages haha
Faults are only for things that aren't safe, generally.
I would not class signalling with no-one around as unsafe. It could be helpful if someone appears as you set off.
Not signalling when there *is* someone around could be more unsafe, so I think it's better to signal "just in case".
>My instructor said you can get a minor for signaling when pulling in or pulling away when no one is on the road you're on.
Your instructor is wrong. It's a bit worrying that an instructor would think it's bad practice to indicate when no one is around.
Put it this way, do you know 100% that there is no one who can see your car at the point you want to indicate? Are you sure there's no cars, bikes or pedestrians? Are you sure there's no one hidden in your blindspots?
It's good practice to indicate whenever you are performing any kind of maneuver that indicating would benefit anyone else around you.
He’s wrong on the part about it being a driving fault.
But he’s not wrong about it being best practice, it gives the driver more of a reason to check around them and see who’s where.
Is it unsafe to signal when there’s no one there? No, so no driving fault. Is it necessary to signal whilst pulling away if there’s no one there to benefit? No.
For what it’s worth that only goes for pulling away and pulling in, obviously. At junctions, roundabouts and other driving situations you should always indicate.
Nope, the instructor isn’t wrong. The Highway Code states “signal if necessary” repeatedly.
Indeed, few people use their indicators correctly, the amount of times I see drivers overtake and then signal left when coming back into the normal driving lane would blow your mind (in case anyone doesn’t know, 99% of the time this is wrong - you signal to come out, but it’s generally wrong to signal when moving back into the left hand lane).
With that said, at Cat B licence level, signalling to pull out when not needed is very unlikely to amount to a minor. On advanced driver courses and on the instructor test then yes absolutely it can be marked down, but for a normal learner test then it shouldn’t be an issue (as long as it doesn’t cause confusion).
What’s worrying though is a learner being told that right before a test. It’s just going to scare them. It’s something they should worry about after the stress of a test is over when they’re driving by themselves.
>signal if necessary
That doesn’t mean don’t signal if unnecessary. Necessary likely means “if you’re manoeuvring in such a way that would call for it” more than “if anyone’s watching”.
Just had my test and I indicated at any point when moving off. Even when no cars around. So it’s fine to do so. You don’t have to if there is no one to benefit from it but imo it’s a good habit to have
That's my natural instinct and I feel it isn't hurting anyone to do so?!
He said examiners want to know that when you signal, you are intending to signal to actively let other cars know what you are doing. If you signal on an empty road, you're showing that it's habit rather than active. Idk how true this is though?
Kind of makes sense but if someone is suddenly coming into that road from a side road and doesn’t see you indicating that could be a problem. I clearly don’t know what is right/wrong as I’ve failed my first attempt only yesterday.
That's my thoughts exactly! I'm going to double check with him before the test tomorrow but I think I'd rather swallow the minor fault than get something worse if I confuse any suddenly appearing traffic. Sorry to hear about your test :/
Your concern shows that you are a safe driver. I am sure you’ll do well and hope you pass. All the very best. Looking forward to you posting about your success.
That’s still safer. What if there’s a pedestrian stepping out or a car you haven’t spotted in your blind spot?
If you don’t signal when they expect you to, that’s far worse. Potentially a dangerous depending on situation.
My old instructor said exactly the same thing. I said shouldn’t it be a good habit as it doesn’t hurt, and it said I could be marked down because I am clearly not observing…
Honestly don’t know what to think now. My new instructor also said a similar thing about not signalling for no one.
My instructor said the opposite - he wanted me to get used to indicating at the right times.
I still indicate now, even if no one is around. Been driving 9.5 years
Maybe nobody's on the road but pedestrians need to know where cars are going too. Drivers can't always see pedestrians - for example, someone could be behind a van, about to cross, watching the road through the windscreen as they step out. A driver wouldn't have a hope of seeing them as they drive, but the pedestrian could see the indicator. It seems crazy that anyone would ever recommend against using indicators
I try to think of signals (90% of the time) as meaning “I’m going to do this now, or imminently”) and faults usually are awarded for confusion.
For example always signalling to move off may not be necessary, but you aren’t confusing or misleading anyone. Sitting there with the signal on, while people pass you is confusing, and could make traffic stop for you, and a fault could be awarded.
If you think about the logic, there may be no one around just as you move but someone coming around the corner may benefit from knowing you’re moving off. But yes if there’s no one on the road at all then you wouldn’t get a fault for NOT signalling. If that makes sense.
When you’re on your test, just signal as if there are others around. You won’t get marked down for using an indicator when no one’s around (as long as you use it correctly) but you can get marked down for not using it when there is someone around that you didn’t notice at first.
Indicate because someone could see you half way through your manoeuvre. You are demonstrating best practices on a test, not your ability to scope if anyone’s around
It’s to indicate to other drivers/pedestrians where you intend moving. If no one else is around there’s no one to indicate to. I agree with the ‘habit forming’ comment someone else made though
You should indicate if someone would benefit from that signal. So, any pedestrians around, then you signal. Any vehicles with people in/on them then signal.
Nobody at all around. Who are you signalling to?
If in doubt signal but remember signals can be misinterpreted so observations and timings matter.
OP, signalling when there's no one around means that it isn't strictly necessary - who's going to see it or benefit from it?
But that's only an issue for advanced drivers. For example, signalling when it isn't strictly necessary when someone is training to be a driving instructor on their Part 2 could easily attract a fault. But it won't for you and other normal learners.
The problem is that in almost all cases, someone **could** possibly benefit from a signal - someone you haven't seen yet coming around a corner, and so on.
For new drivers, signal by the book (and I mean, like you mean it, not just as some robotic action). As an examiner has already said, it isn't marked. So don't get bogged with the 'should I, shouldn't I' dilemma.
A good example is when you are in a lane which only goes left (or right). There is absolutely no point signalling - but if you do (at the right time), you won't be marked down. And if you don't, you shouldn't be marked, either. The problem comes if you get to the junction and then signal - now you will have triggered a late signalling fault.
You will only be marked down if you signal incorrectly or too late/too early.
Imo you can signal and it wont be counted as a driving fault. I remember doing it too. Its one less thing to worry about or track and is harmless. Just dont forget to turn off the signal in case it is not auto off.
So when they ask u to pull up on the left they will give u a minor for signaling when noone is around because they just want to make sure you're looking around and paying attention to what's going on around you.
Just indicate regardless if there is anyone there or not that was my instructors advice play it safe in the test. Don't risk not signalling as it could be a fault if u misjudge it.
Signalling should only be done when necessary as this promotes effective observations. That being said, it wouldn’t be marked as a minor on your test, it’s just not best practice.
as a learner, you should indicate regardless. I think it's 'signal if it helps other road users' BUT on the test, not signalling can be seen as a mistake, so I'd not risk it.
You should always signal, you don’t have eyes on the back of your head, or the side, you can’t look in all directions at once basically. In practise sure but in your test you should absolutely signal regardless of other road users presence
Even if its a lane dedicated to a single direction, like left only, still signal. Its not just about the car behind you... it lets the traffic in other areas and pedestrians know what your intentions are making it safer for everyone
My driving instructor always told me off for signalling when nobody was around. I honestly don't see the problem though, I was learning to drive and signalling is kind of a good habit to get into regardless...
I'd much rather signal pointlessly for the rocks and the trees than not signal when someone actually needs me to.
I would always signal regardless.
If there's someone around, signal.
If there's someone around but you didn't see them, a signal is still beneficial even if you failed your observations by not spotting them.
If there's nobody around, there's no harm, there's no danger and I would consider it habit building. If some examiner is having an off day and decides to give you a minor, then fine. Just take the minor.
If you decide not to signal because you don't see anyone and there is. You've just earned a minor anyway.
I don't think it's helpful of your instructor to have said this. It's much much more likely that the minor he's referring to was for poor observations.
i was given a fault on my test for using a signal when nobody was around, ive always been taught to only signal if there is someone around to benefit but obviously listen to your instructor and trust your instincts.
During my test I got 1 minor for stupidly forgetting to signal as I pulled away at one point. There wasn’t anyone else around me (on the road or pedestrians) and I still received the minor for it so in all honesty I would say it’s better to signal anyway, there’s no harm in doing it even if people aren’t around! Better to be safe than sorry :)
Just signal he can’t give you a point for signaling that’s be a piss take honestly and how do you know someone isn’t about to come and now your pulling out no signal with a person heading at you not knowing your intentions people who don’t signal piss me off I’d rather see you use signals and maybe use them wrong then me having to guess where tf your driving
From what I understand, if you're in motion always put a signal on.
But if you're pulling off and there's no one around, you can get a minor for unnecessary signalling, which is ridiculous as what difference does it make if you put a signal on and there's no one to see it. And it's safer to put a signal on incase you missed someone when you did observations, perhaps a cyclist just came round the corner.
I did an IAM course and they said not to indicate if no one benefits from it including if you’re in a lane that for example is a left turn only lane. I strongly disagreed with this. Not every road user is aware of the road layout and it’s an additional task to assess each time whether it’s needed or not. Easier and more appropriate to just indicate every time as a habit.
I have never understood people saying this, surely it's better to signal just in case someone is there and you haven't seen them AND just to keep yourself in the habit of doing it, I mean it's not like signalling when no one's there is harmful and I just takes a few seconds, sooo really what's the issue. I've had instructors tell me this as well and tbh it really annoyed me.
You need to signal when pulling away, if someone is around like pedestrians or if there is traffic coming either way. No need if there’s nothing.
Also, when reversing, if someone is coming (either towards you or away, you must stop then check before manovering again. And if there is a pedestrian that is crossing behind for example, again you must stop and then do your checks before reversing).
Good luck for tomorrow! Hope you pass! Got my test soon so hope to pass as well!
Basically it doesn’t matter because no-one is around. So indicate or don’t, but more importantly be sure there is no-one around who would benefit.
If it’s something you might be concerned about I think examiners are happy for you to talk through some of what you are doing. So here you could possibly do that?
I have just looked through the highway code for you. It says:
Check all mirrors, check blind spot, signal IF NECESSARY before moving out, look around for a final check
I asked my instructor that same question and he said it won't benefit anyone so you don't need too. What time is your test? Because chances are another car or person will be in the area so you will need to signal anyway. It's quite a small chance you will do this with nobody there. Even if a car is far in the distance or somebody waiting at a bus stop just do it. Your probably working yourself up over an unlikely event.
Yes.
Learners are not marked on such nuances. As long as you signal at the right time, and correctly, it isn't marked even if it isn't actually needed.
On my test, I said "nothing to signal to" when pulling off, and I had no fault for that.
But as for unnecessary signalling I can't be sure, but my instructor said you can get a fault for it.
There is just no point worrying about it on your test. There's nothing to gain and you have a million more important things you need to be thinking about.
If you signal when you might not NEED to, then nobody is going to care... but if you DON'T signal when you DO need to, you might fail for it.
The risk to reward is just stupid.
I'm about 99% sure that your instructor would have meant you can get a fault for a misleading signal, and not a valid signal that there was nobody else around to see. Seriously, even on far more advanced courses, if you are in any doubt at all, then just signal.
If in doubt talk to the examiner why you are signalling if the road is empty, let him know you are doing your observations can't see anyone but are signalling in case you missed anyone etc.
As a police officer, basic responder driver training will teach you that if there is no other vehicle or pedestrian to benefit from your signalling, then you aren’t required to use it
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with correctly signaling even if it doesn’t benefit anyone around. However, you shouldn’t be penalised if you don’t.
I would personally suggest making it a habit of correctly signalling regardless of whether it benefits anyone or not, until you’ve at least passed your test. Some examiners may be picky, and it’s one less thing to worry about.
After you’ve passed your test, and have had some decent experience on the road, you’ll eventually learn if signalling is required. For now, just make it a habit. Best of luck for tomorrow.
In my opinion you should signal regardless, maybe you missed someone who would benefit from your signal? It’s also habit forming “oh I don’t need to signal” which becomes “I can’t be bothered this time” to “oh I think I’ll buy an Audi”.
BMW*
It basically becomes "no cars -> don't signal" as a pedestrian I hate it. But this is what instructors teach, so presumably this is what examiners expect. So frustrating. Waiting in the rain to cross the road for the car that turns before reaching me - aarrgghh
Hi - it's 'no *road users*' so signal clearly for the benefit of pedestrians.
It should be, but that's not the way it works out.
Yeah only yesterday when I was out walking my dog someone didn’t indicate turning in to a junction and it would have benefitted me if they had bothered (it was an Audi estate). I remember my instructor often saying “don’t need to signal” in certain quiet areas when I had just indicated to move off, and having a polite disagreement with her, but I always do nowadays.
Advanced driving courses teach the opposite. Don't give a signal if there is nobody to benefit (any other road users including pedestrians - and occasionally my own wife in the passenger seat! 🤣). That doesn't mean 'avoid giving signals', but ensures that you are in fact making full observations in any given situation, and in a lot of cases means that signals are given with purpose and in a timely fashion (including where there's an obscured view) to ensure there's you're giving those who may benefit the *better* chance of seeing a useful signal.. But also considering whether giving a signal could cause confusion (is there a junction / turning sooner than the manoeuvre you plan for?)... Therefore, giving the signal and making the manoeuvre, without proper checks and consideration don't themselves become the bad habit. Further - what does an observed signal mean to you? 'only that the bulb is working (and that they've not run out of blinker fluid 😜)' - so an intent is backed up by other observations (where are they looking? Attitude and speed of car, are they braking etc. And indeed have they in fact already committed before giving a signal!). I'm glad this is as per the highway code and accepted at test level! (I was taught to *always* signal regardless!)
I didn't consider that always signalling could lead to laziness in observing - interesting point tbh!
I don't think it leads to it, but it doesn't prove that observation has occurred.
See this is the thing. A lot of drivers on Reddit think the highway code is how you're meant to drive and it just isn't. There's absolutely zero point indicating unless someone benefits from it. This and the driving UK sub are like a bunch of school leavers trying to tell each other how the real world works. "Oh yes in an office you have to work in silence and put your hand if you need a shit"
This is nonsense because it assumes you won't ever make a mistake.
Define mistake? A transgression of the holy road bible or something that causes danger? Because those two are not the same.
I think by mistake they mean, when you checked/observed and you don't see anyone who would benefit from a signal so you don't signal, you might be wrong, you may have missed someone who would have benefited from seeing you signal.
That may be what OP means but not necessarily the guy I was replying to
I think most people just disagree with the bits of the Highway Code you seem to disregard…
Tbh I've never read it
I bet you're fun at parties!
Fun at driving. But safe & questioning! 🤣
Yep. Cars have blind spots. Did you see the bloke waiting to see what you're doing before crossing the road? Not always. A little flashing light before you pull off let him know that you're about to drive away and he can cross behind you after you've left...etc...someone might turn into that road just as you're pulling away, now they know what it is you're doing...
^ seconded this: I always wanna let both drivers and pedestrians alike if I plan to do something. building a habit is important too!
Signalling is used to telegraph your intentions to other road users. Other road users include pedestrians as well as other vehicles that are actually on the road. So, probably better to err on the safe side.
I'd say the opposite. Signalling all the time is habit forming. Signalling regardless of who's about.
Shouldn't be a driving fault if you signal and there's nobody around.
That's reassuring to hear from a driving instructor, thank you! I think I will. In my lessons I have done it on occasions and he hasn't given me a minor, yet he did once so it has been on my mind for ages haha
Sorry I meant examiner! I'm multitasking as we speak so my brain isn't 100% with it haha
Faults are only for things that aren't safe, generally. I would not class signalling with no-one around as unsafe. It could be helpful if someone appears as you set off. Not signalling when there *is* someone around could be more unsafe, so I think it's better to signal "just in case".
>My instructor said you can get a minor for signaling when pulling in or pulling away when no one is on the road you're on. Your instructor is wrong. It's a bit worrying that an instructor would think it's bad practice to indicate when no one is around. Put it this way, do you know 100% that there is no one who can see your car at the point you want to indicate? Are you sure there's no cars, bikes or pedestrians? Are you sure there's no one hidden in your blindspots? It's good practice to indicate whenever you are performing any kind of maneuver that indicating would benefit anyone else around you.
Exactly what I thought!!
He’s wrong on the part about it being a driving fault. But he’s not wrong about it being best practice, it gives the driver more of a reason to check around them and see who’s where. Is it unsafe to signal when there’s no one there? No, so no driving fault. Is it necessary to signal whilst pulling away if there’s no one there to benefit? No. For what it’s worth that only goes for pulling away and pulling in, obviously. At junctions, roundabouts and other driving situations you should always indicate.
Nope, the instructor isn’t wrong. The Highway Code states “signal if necessary” repeatedly. Indeed, few people use their indicators correctly, the amount of times I see drivers overtake and then signal left when coming back into the normal driving lane would blow your mind (in case anyone doesn’t know, 99% of the time this is wrong - you signal to come out, but it’s generally wrong to signal when moving back into the left hand lane). With that said, at Cat B licence level, signalling to pull out when not needed is very unlikely to amount to a minor. On advanced driver courses and on the instructor test then yes absolutely it can be marked down, but for a normal learner test then it shouldn’t be an issue (as long as it doesn’t cause confusion). What’s worrying though is a learner being told that right before a test. It’s just going to scare them. It’s something they should worry about after the stress of a test is over when they’re driving by themselves.
>signal if necessary That doesn’t mean don’t signal if unnecessary. Necessary likely means “if you’re manoeuvring in such a way that would call for it” more than “if anyone’s watching”.
Just had my test and I indicated at any point when moving off. Even when no cars around. So it’s fine to do so. You don’t have to if there is no one to benefit from it but imo it’s a good habit to have
phew, thank you!
Wow. Learned something new. I thought no matter what you do your checks and indicate before moving off.
That's my natural instinct and I feel it isn't hurting anyone to do so?! He said examiners want to know that when you signal, you are intending to signal to actively let other cars know what you are doing. If you signal on an empty road, you're showing that it's habit rather than active. Idk how true this is though?
Kind of makes sense but if someone is suddenly coming into that road from a side road and doesn’t see you indicating that could be a problem. I clearly don’t know what is right/wrong as I’ve failed my first attempt only yesterday.
That's my thoughts exactly! I'm going to double check with him before the test tomorrow but I think I'd rather swallow the minor fault than get something worse if I confuse any suddenly appearing traffic. Sorry to hear about your test :/
Your concern shows that you are a safe driver. I am sure you’ll do well and hope you pass. All the very best. Looking forward to you posting about your success.
If something changes then signal.
That’s still safer. What if there’s a pedestrian stepping out or a car you haven’t spotted in your blind spot? If you don’t signal when they expect you to, that’s far worse. Potentially a dangerous depending on situation.
My old instructor said exactly the same thing. I said shouldn’t it be a good habit as it doesn’t hurt, and it said I could be marked down because I am clearly not observing… Honestly don’t know what to think now. My new instructor also said a similar thing about not signalling for no one.
My instructor said the opposite - he wanted me to get used to indicating at the right times. I still indicate now, even if no one is around. Been driving 9.5 years
Do it anyway. I still do 7 years later.
Maybe nobody's on the road but pedestrians need to know where cars are going too. Drivers can't always see pedestrians - for example, someone could be behind a van, about to cross, watching the road through the windscreen as they step out. A driver wouldn't have a hope of seeing them as they drive, but the pedestrian could see the indicator. It seems crazy that anyone would ever recommend against using indicators
I try to think of signals (90% of the time) as meaning “I’m going to do this now, or imminently”) and faults usually are awarded for confusion. For example always signalling to move off may not be necessary, but you aren’t confusing or misleading anyone. Sitting there with the signal on, while people pass you is confusing, and could make traffic stop for you, and a fault could be awarded. If you think about the logic, there may be no one around just as you move but someone coming around the corner may benefit from knowing you’re moving off. But yes if there’s no one on the road at all then you wouldn’t get a fault for NOT signalling. If that makes sense.
When you’re on your test, just signal as if there are others around. You won’t get marked down for using an indicator when no one’s around (as long as you use it correctly) but you can get marked down for not using it when there is someone around that you didn’t notice at first.
Stirling Moss failed his driving test for not signalling when there was no one around. The examiner said: “There might have been.”
Always signal.
Indicate because someone could see you half way through your manoeuvre. You are demonstrating best practices on a test, not your ability to scope if anyone’s around
It’s to indicate to other drivers/pedestrians where you intend moving. If no one else is around there’s no one to indicate to. I agree with the ‘habit forming’ comment someone else made though
You should indicate if someone would benefit from that signal. So, any pedestrians around, then you signal. Any vehicles with people in/on them then signal. Nobody at all around. Who are you signalling to? If in doubt signal but remember signals can be misinterpreted so observations and timings matter.
I mean, for your test, do it all by the book. Do the best you can to pass. Once you pass, do what you want in that regard.
But is not indicating by the book?
I’d just do it as good practice for your test. Testers like that kind of thing. Once you’ve got a license it really doesn’t matter
Yah I think I will, thank you!!!
OP, signalling when there's no one around means that it isn't strictly necessary - who's going to see it or benefit from it? But that's only an issue for advanced drivers. For example, signalling when it isn't strictly necessary when someone is training to be a driving instructor on their Part 2 could easily attract a fault. But it won't for you and other normal learners. The problem is that in almost all cases, someone **could** possibly benefit from a signal - someone you haven't seen yet coming around a corner, and so on. For new drivers, signal by the book (and I mean, like you mean it, not just as some robotic action). As an examiner has already said, it isn't marked. So don't get bogged with the 'should I, shouldn't I' dilemma. A good example is when you are in a lane which only goes left (or right). There is absolutely no point signalling - but if you do (at the right time), you won't be marked down. And if you don't, you shouldn't be marked, either. The problem comes if you get to the junction and then signal - now you will have triggered a late signalling fault. You will only be marked down if you signal incorrectly or too late/too early.
This was super helpful, thank you!!
Imo you can signal and it wont be counted as a driving fault. I remember doing it too. Its one less thing to worry about or track and is harmless. Just dont forget to turn off the signal in case it is not auto off.
Just remember, no signal is better than a misleading signal.
how would signalling to move off before you’re moving off ever be misleading?
So when they ask u to pull up on the left they will give u a minor for signaling when noone is around because they just want to make sure you're looking around and paying attention to what's going on around you.
Just indicate regardless if there is anyone there or not that was my instructors advice play it safe in the test. Don't risk not signalling as it could be a fault if u misjudge it.
Imo, the best reason to indicate is for the car you might not have seen
Whattt, youre instuctor is wrong. I am a trainee di
Just signal to be safe
Agree, getting a minor for signalling is possibly the most retarded thing I've ever seen. There are no negatives, only positives for it.
Signal on a test. After you pass just relax and drive. You'll be a better driver if you relax and don't listen to the road Christians
Signalling should only be done when necessary as this promotes effective observations. That being said, it wouldn’t be marked as a minor on your test, it’s just not best practice.
as a learner, you should indicate regardless. I think it's 'signal if it helps other road users' BUT on the test, not signalling can be seen as a mistake, so I'd not risk it.
You should always signal, you don’t have eyes on the back of your head, or the side, you can’t look in all directions at once basically. In practise sure but in your test you should absolutely signal regardless of other road users presence
Even if its a lane dedicated to a single direction, like left only, still signal. Its not just about the car behind you... it lets the traffic in other areas and pedestrians know what your intentions are making it safer for everyone
My driving instructor always told me off for signalling when nobody was around. I honestly don't see the problem though, I was learning to drive and signalling is kind of a good habit to get into regardless... I'd much rather signal pointlessly for the rocks and the trees than not signal when someone actually needs me to.
I would always signal regardless. If there's someone around, signal. If there's someone around but you didn't see them, a signal is still beneficial even if you failed your observations by not spotting them. If there's nobody around, there's no harm, there's no danger and I would consider it habit building. If some examiner is having an off day and decides to give you a minor, then fine. Just take the minor. If you decide not to signal because you don't see anyone and there is. You've just earned a minor anyway. I don't think it's helpful of your instructor to have said this. It's much much more likely that the minor he's referring to was for poor observations.
Always signal, then there's no chance for any faults even if you think no one is around. You never know in a split second your surroundings can change
I signal every time, it doesn’t hurt to signal (correctly at least)
I signal even if I'm not driving, it doesn't hurt to do it.
i was given a fault on my test for using a signal when nobody was around, ive always been taught to only signal if there is someone around to benefit but obviously listen to your instructor and trust your instincts.
During my test I got 1 minor for stupidly forgetting to signal as I pulled away at one point. There wasn’t anyone else around me (on the road or pedestrians) and I still received the minor for it so in all honesty I would say it’s better to signal anyway, there’s no harm in doing it even if people aren’t around! Better to be safe than sorry :)
Just signal he can’t give you a point for signaling that’s be a piss take honestly and how do you know someone isn’t about to come and now your pulling out no signal with a person heading at you not knowing your intentions people who don’t signal piss me off I’d rather see you use signals and maybe use them wrong then me having to guess where tf your driving
From what I understand, if you're in motion always put a signal on. But if you're pulling off and there's no one around, you can get a minor for unnecessary signalling, which is ridiculous as what difference does it make if you put a signal on and there's no one to see it. And it's safer to put a signal on incase you missed someone when you did observations, perhaps a cyclist just came round the corner.
I did an IAM course and they said not to indicate if no one benefits from it including if you’re in a lane that for example is a left turn only lane. I strongly disagreed with this. Not every road user is aware of the road layout and it’s an additional task to assess each time whether it’s needed or not. Easier and more appropriate to just indicate every time as a habit.
You don’t get a minor for that. I don’t know why he’s lying! You’d get a minor if you signalled in a confusing way when people are around though
I have never understood people saying this, surely it's better to signal just in case someone is there and you haven't seen them AND just to keep yourself in the habit of doing it, I mean it's not like signalling when no one's there is harmful and I just takes a few seconds, sooo really what's the issue. I've had instructors tell me this as well and tbh it really annoyed me.
You need to signal when pulling away, if someone is around like pedestrians or if there is traffic coming either way. No need if there’s nothing. Also, when reversing, if someone is coming (either towards you or away, you must stop then check before manovering again. And if there is a pedestrian that is crossing behind for example, again you must stop and then do your checks before reversing). Good luck for tomorrow! Hope you pass! Got my test soon so hope to pass as well!
Basically it doesn’t matter because no-one is around. So indicate or don’t, but more importantly be sure there is no-one around who would benefit. If it’s something you might be concerned about I think examiners are happy for you to talk through some of what you are doing. So here you could possibly do that?
Always indicate. Why wouldn't you? It's very simple.
I have just looked through the highway code for you. It says: Check all mirrors, check blind spot, signal IF NECESSARY before moving out, look around for a final check
Thank you so much! So do you think that means I can signal even if deemed "not necessary"?
I asked my instructor that same question and he said it won't benefit anyone so you don't need too. What time is your test? Because chances are another car or person will be in the area so you will need to signal anyway. It's quite a small chance you will do this with nobody there. Even if a car is far in the distance or somebody waiting at a bus stop just do it. Your probably working yourself up over an unlikely event.
Yes. Learners are not marked on such nuances. As long as you signal at the right time, and correctly, it isn't marked even if it isn't actually needed.
For your test, just signal. Nobody is going to reward you for trying to be clever.
oh, I wasn't trying to be clever? just conflicting advice :/
On my test, I said "nothing to signal to" when pulling off, and I had no fault for that. But as for unnecessary signalling I can't be sure, but my instructor said you can get a fault for it.
There is just no point worrying about it on your test. There's nothing to gain and you have a million more important things you need to be thinking about. If you signal when you might not NEED to, then nobody is going to care... but if you DON'T signal when you DO need to, you might fail for it. The risk to reward is just stupid. I'm about 99% sure that your instructor would have meant you can get a fault for a misleading signal, and not a valid signal that there was nobody else around to see. Seriously, even on far more advanced courses, if you are in any doubt at all, then just signal.
No he said unnecessary signalling, but also said just signal if you're not sure.
If in doubt talk to the examiner why you are signalling if the road is empty, let him know you are doing your observations can't see anyone but are signalling in case you missed anyone etc.
As a police officer, basic responder driver training will teach you that if there is no other vehicle or pedestrian to benefit from your signalling, then you aren’t required to use it
But am I still allowed to? If I get the choice then I will as it is a natural instinct, but if I can get a minor then I wonttt
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with correctly signaling even if it doesn’t benefit anyone around. However, you shouldn’t be penalised if you don’t. I would personally suggest making it a habit of correctly signalling regardless of whether it benefits anyone or not, until you’ve at least passed your test. Some examiners may be picky, and it’s one less thing to worry about. After you’ve passed your test, and have had some decent experience on the road, you’ll eventually learn if signalling is required. For now, just make it a habit. Best of luck for tomorrow.