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Hand Signals for Drivers and Cyclists

admin · October 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Indicators and brake lights do most of the talking on modern roads, but hand signals still matter. Learner drivers may be asked about them in theory tests, cyclists rely on them every day, and any driver whose indicators fail needs a backup way to communicate. This guide explains the main hand signals for driving and cycling in the UK and the US, along with the signals police officers and traffic controllers use.

Rules and recommended signals differ between countries and sometimes between states, so treat this as a practical overview and check the official source, such as the Highway Code in the UK or your state driver handbook in the US, for exact requirements.

Why Hand Signals Still Matter

It is easy to think arm signals belong to the era of vintage cars, but there are good reasons to know them.

Bulb or electrical failure: If your indicators or brake lights stop working, an arm signal lets other road users know your intentions until you can get the fault fixed.
Cyclists: Bicycles usually have no indicators, so riders must use their arms to signal turns and lane changes.
Extra clarity: In some situations, such as dazzling sunlight, a clear arm signal can reinforce an indicator.
Understanding others: Even if you never signal with your arm, you need to recognise signals from cyclists, horse riders and police officers.

UK Arm Signals for Drivers

In the UK, vehicles are driven on the left and the driver sits on the right, so drivers signal using their right arm out of the window. The Highway Code shows three main signals for drivers.

Turning right: Extend your right arm straight out of the window, level with the shoulder, palm facing forward.
Turning left: Extend your right arm out of the window and rotate it in an anticlockwise circle, showing that you intend to move to the left.
Slowing down or stopping: Extend your right arm out with the palm facing down, and move it slowly up and down.

These signals should be clear and deliberate, and you should return your hand to the wheel well before you need it for steering or gear changes. Only use them when it is safe to take one hand off the wheel.

US Hand Signals for Drivers

In the US, traffic drives on the right and the driver sits on the left, so signals are made with the left arm out of the driver’s window. Most state handbooks show the same three signals.

Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out, horizontally, from the window.
Right turn: Extend your left arm out and bend it upward at the elbow, so the hand points to the sky at roughly a right angle.
Slowing or stopping: Extend your left arm out and bend it downward at the elbow, with the palm facing back.

State handbooks may include these on written tests, so learners should check the version for their state.

Hand Signals for Cyclists

Cyclists signal to tell drivers and other riders where they are going. Signals should be given in good time and held long enough to be seen, but riders should have both hands on the handlebars when braking, turning or riding on uneven surfaces.

UK cyclist signals

Turning left: Extend the left arm straight out to the side.
Turning right: Extend the right arm straight out to the side.
Slowing down: Some riders extend an arm with the palm facing down and move it up and down, mirroring the driver’s slowing signal.

US cyclist signals

Left turn: Extend the left arm straight out.
Right turn: Either bend the left arm upward at the elbow, the traditional signal, or extend the right arm straight out. Many states accept both.
Stopping: Bend the left arm downward at the elbow, palm facing back.

Signals From Police and Traffic Officers

Signals given by a police officer, traffic officer or authorised person override traffic lights and signs. Every driver must recognise them.

Stop for vehicles approaching from behind: The officer raises a hand with the palm facing the traffic behind them.
Stop for vehicles approaching from the front: The officer raises a hand with the palm facing the oncoming traffic.
Stop for vehicles approaching from both directions: The officer raises both arms, palms facing each stream of traffic.
Beckoning on: A waving motion inviting traffic from the front or from the side to proceed.
School crossing patrols: In the UK, patrols show a circular stop sign on a pole. You must stop when the sign is held up.

If a police vehicle wants you to stop, officers usually use flashing blue lights, the headlights or a siren and may direct you to pull over to the left in the UK. Pull over safely as soon as it is practical.

Signals From Horse Riders and Other Road Users

Horse riders also use arm signals, often similar to cyclists, and may raise a hand to ask you to slow down. Slow down, give plenty of room and pass wide and slowly. Other informal gestures, such as a friendly wave of thanks, can help keep the road courteous, but never rely on an informal gesture to decide whether it is safe to move.

Good Habits When Using Hand Signals

A hand signal only helps if others can see it and understand it. Give signals early, especially at junctions, and make them clear rather than half-hearted. Look around before and after signalling, because a signal does not give you priority or guarantee that others have noticed. At night, arm signals are much harder to see, which is why working lights matter so much.

Hand Signals in Theory Tests and Lessons

Learners are often surprised to find arm signals in their study materials. In the UK, the Highway Code includes diagrams of signals to other road users and signals by authorised persons, and theory test questions may ask what a particular signal means. In the US, many state written tests include a question on hand signals for driving, especially the left turn, right turn and stop positions.

Revise with the official diagrams: Pictures are easier to remember than written descriptions.
Ask your instructor to demonstrate: Seeing the signal from outside the car shows you what other drivers actually see.
Practise recognising cyclist signals: As a driver, the signals you will meet most are from cyclists, so learn to spot an outstretched arm early.
Remember what signals do not do: A signal shows intention but does not give priority. Always check that it is safe before moving.

Quick Tips for Learners and New Riders

Practise the signals while parked so the movement feels natural.
Check your indicators and brake lights regularly so you rarely need arm signals in a car.
As a cyclist, signal, check over your shoulder, then return your hand to the handlebar before turning.
Never signal with an arm if it makes you lose control or forces you to steer one-handed through a tight bend.
Learn the police signals for the country you drive in, especially if you are visiting abroad.
Check the official source for your country or state, as recommended signals can differ.

Final Thoughts

Hand signals are a simple, universal language that every road user should understand. Drivers need them as a backup and to read cyclists and officers correctly, while riders depend on them every day. Learn the signals for the country you drive in, use them clearly and safely, and the roads become more predictable for everyone.