Moving out or turning right
Extend your right arm straight out of the window and hold it steady. This signals your intention to move out from the kerb, change lane to the right, or turn right at a junction.
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Hand signals.
Hand signals are used when indicators are not working, cannot be seen clearly, or when extra clarity is needed, for example waving a following vehicle past when it is safe to overtake. They are required knowledge for the Irish driving test.
Book a lessonFor traffic behind you
Signals to traffic behind you
All signals are given with the right arm out of the driver's window. Make the signal clearly and hold it long enough for other road users to see and react. These match the Rules of the Road, page 110.
Slowing down or stopping
Extend your right arm horizontally out of the window with your palm facing downward. Move your arm slowly up and down. Use this when your brake lights cannot be seen clearly or when stopping at a pedestrian crossing.
Letting a vehicle overtake
Extend your right arm and make a slow, forward sweeping motion with your hand. This invites the driver behind to overtake when you have checked it is safe and clear ahead. Only give this signal when you are certain it is safe.
Turning left
Extend your right arm out of the window, bend your elbow upward at 90 degrees with your forearm pointing up, then rotate your forearm in an anticlockwise direction toward the left. This one is less common, so use your left indicator wherever possible.
For a pointsman and oncoming traffic
Signals to traffic in front of you
The Rules of the Road (page 111) also covers signals for a Garda directing traffic, or for oncoming drivers who need to see your intention. By this point your car is already stopped, so three signals matter here: turning right, turning left and going straight on. Instructors ask about these on lessons and mock tests, so learn both sets.
I want to turn right
Extend your right arm straight out of the window and hold it steady, where the person in front can see it clearly.
I want to turn left
Point your right forearm and hand across to the left with your fingers extended, so your direction is obvious from the front. The Rules of the Road notes this fingers-extended detail for car drivers.
I want to go straight on
Raise your right hand with the palm facing forward, visible through the windscreen to the person directing traffic.
When to use hand signals
Signals support. They don't replace.
Hand signals should be used to supplement indicators, not instead of them where indicators are available and working. Common situations where hand signals add value:
- Indicator has failed or is not visible to a following driver
- Waving a driver behind you past when a long, safe gap exists
- Moving off from the kerb when traffic behind cannot see your indicator clearly
- Slowing at a pedestrian crossing to reassure a waiting pedestrian
- When directed by a Garda or traffic marshal and your signals are unclear
- On the driving test, the examiner may ask you to demonstrate a hand signal
CheckMirrors before giving any signal
SignalClearly and in good time
HoldLong enough to be seen
ProceedOnly when safe to do so
Signals from others
Signals given to you by other road users
Not all hand signals come from drivers. You need to recognise signals from Gardaí and traffic marshals directing traffic.
Garda: stop (facing you)
A Garda facing you with their arm raised, palm toward you means stop. Come to a complete halt and do not proceed until directed.
Garda: proceed (side on)
A Garda standing side-on with arms extended straight out to their sides. Traffic in line with their arm direction may proceed. Traffic facing the Garda must stop.
Garda: slow down
A Garda facing you with one arm raised and moving slowly up and down, palm facing downward, means slow down and proceed with caution.
Continue studying
Signals covered. Keep going.
Review road signs, rules of the road or driving theory, or book a lesson to practise everything on the road.