Key Takeaways
- Signals must be given in plenty of time, and cancelled after use
- A signal is a warning, not a right of way — the Highway Code is explicit that signalling does not give you priority
- Signalling too early on a bend or before a side road can mislead other drivers
- Watch for other road users' signals too, and only proceed when it's actually safe
- Leaving an indicator on after a turn can mislead other drivers into thinking you're about to manoeuvre again
It's Rarely About Forgetting to Signal
Signalling faults on test aren't about forgetting to indicate at all — they're about timing it wrong, leaving it on too long after a turn, or assuming that signalling gives you the right of way.
You should give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to do so, and always cancel them after use. Signalling does not give you priority.
Signalling Doesn't Give You Priority
This is the mistake that causes the most confusion. Putting your indicator on tells other road users what you intend to do — it does not mean they have to let you go, and it does not make a manoeuvre safe on its own. You still need to check it's actually clear before you move.
Timing: Too Early Can Mislead
Signalling well before a turn is correct, but there are situations where an early signal misleads other drivers — for example, indicating left too soon before a side road when you're actually continuing past it on a bend. The Highway Code specifically requires that a signal must not be misleading, not just early.
Cancelling Your Signal
Leaving an indicator running after you've completed a turn draws examiners' attention because it can suggest to other drivers that you're about to make another manoeuvre you're not planning. Get into the habit of checking your indicator has cancelled itself, or cancel it manually if it hasn't.
Watching Other Road Users' Signals
Signalling isn't only about what you do — you're also expected to watch for signals given by other road users, and to proceed only once you're satisfied it's genuinely safe, rather than reacting to their indicator alone.
Preparing for Your Driving Test in Nottingham?
Getting the timing right takes practice on real junctions and roundabouts, not just knowing the rule.
Related Guides
Build Confident Signalling Habits with H&E
We work on signal timing on real Nottingham junctions and roundabouts from early lessons, so it becomes automatic well before test day.