Hand Signals for Driving: A Complete Guide for Learner Drivers

Driving is more than just steering a car and pressing pedals. Communication plays a vital role in maintaining road safety. While indicators and brake lights are the most common way to signal intentions, every driver must also understand hand signals for driving. They are not only part of the UK Highway Code but can also be crucial in situations where your car’s lights fail.

At Astra Driving School Manchester, we ensure that our learners are familiar with both modern driving techniques and traditional safety practices. This guide explains everything you need to know about hand signals, why they matter, and how practising them can help you pass your driving test in Manchester with confidence.

Why Are Hand Signals Important?

Hand signals are often overlooked, yet they are essential for road safety. They serve three primary purposes:

Backup communication: If your car’s indicators or brake lights stop working.
Clarity in busy areas: To reinforce your intentions when other drivers or pedestrians might not notice your signals.
Driving test readiness: Examiners may check if you know them, especially if indicators fail during a test.

In cities like Manchester, with busy roads, cyclists, pedestrians, and roundabouts, knowing hand signals can make all the difference in preventing accidents.

The Essential Hand Signals for Driving in the UK

According to the Highway Code, every learner driver must understand these hand signals:

1. Turning Left

Extend your left arm straight out of the driver’s side window with the palm facing forward.
This clearly indicates to drivers and cyclists behind you that you are about to turn left.

2. Turning Right

Extend your right arm straight out of the window with the palm facing forward.
This signals your intention to turn right, particularly useful if your indicator fails to function.

3. Slowing Down or Stopping

Extend your right arm out of the window and move it up and down in a slow, controlled motion.
This warns drivers behind you that you are reducing speed.

4. Overtaking on the Right

Extend your right arm out with a forward circular motion.
Modern drivers rarely use this hand signal but may be seen with cyclists and motorcyclists.

5. Asking Others to Overtake You

Extend your right arm backward and wave it.
This tells drivers behind that it’s safe for them to overtake you.

👉 At Astra Driving School, we not only teach you these hand signals but also show you when and where they are practical, especially in areas of Manchester with heavy traffic or complex junctions.

When Should You Use Hand Signals in Manchester?

Although modern vehicles have reliable indicators, there are still situations where hand signals can help:

If your indicators stop working during a journey.
When driving near cyclists or pedestrians on busy roads such as Oxford Road or Wilmslow Road.
During your driving test, examiners may want to check your knowledge.
In poor visibility, extra communication is essential for other road users.

For learners in Manchester, practising hand signals on both quiet residential streets and busier city roads can build confidence and test readiness.

Hand Signals and the Driving Test

Learner drivers often ask: Will I be tested on hand signals?

The answer is: not directly, but you are expected to understand them. During your theory test, questions about hand signals may appear in the multiple-choice section or hazard perception scenarios. In your practical driving test, if indicators fail, you’ll need to demonstrate hand signals to continue safely.

Being prepared shows your examiner that you are confident, knowledgeable, and safe.

Benefits of Learning with Astra Driving School Manchester

At Astra Driving School, we go beyond the basics. Our lessons are tailored to each learner’s needs, ensuring you understand everything from car controls to hand signals. Here’s why hundreds of Manchester learners choose us:

🚗 DVSA-Approved Instructors – Experienced, patient, and supportive.
📅 Flexible Lesson Times – From early mornings to evenings, Monday to Saturday.
💷 Affordable Prices – Competitive packages to suit all budgets.
🏆 High Pass Rates – Our structured teaching helps learners succeed.
👩‍🏫 Refresher and Confidence Lessons – Ideal for learners or drivers who want extra practice with hand signals and road safety.

Local Driving Insights

Learning in Manchester offers unique challenges:

Busy City Roads – Routes like the Mancunian Way and Oxford Road require quick decision-making and clear communication.
Roundabouts & Junctions – Places like the Gorton Roundabout test your observation and signalling skills.
Driving Test Centres – If you book your test at West Didsbury, Cheetham Hill, or Sale, examiners may expect you to demonstrate awareness of hand signals and proper communication.

Our instructors are familiar with these test centre routes and prepare you for real-life scenarios, ensuring you’re confident on Manchester’s roads.

Practical Tips for Learners in Manchester

Here are some expert tips from Astra Driving School for mastering hand signals and safe driving:

Practise hand signals in quiet areas first before using them in busy traffic.
Use precise and confident movements so that other drivers understand you.
Don’t rely only on hand signals – use indicators and mirrors as your first choice.
Stay alert at pedestrian crossings where hand gestures can help avoid confusion.
Combine practice with local road knowledge – the more you drive around Manchester, the more natural signalling becomes.

Conclusion

Understanding hand signals for driving is more than just a test requirement – it’s a vital skill for safe communication on Manchester’s busy roads. Whether you’re preparing for your driving test or refreshing your skills, mastering hand signals can help you become a more confident driver.

At Astra Driving School Manchester, we provide expert training tailored to your needs. From hand signals to motorway driving, our professional instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.