Did you know that driver’s hand signals are one of the most overlooked safety skills among new and experienced drivers alike? While you may not use them daily, knowing how to use hand signals when driving is essential, especially in situations where your car’s turn signals fail or visibility is limited.
At Click2Drive, a leading behind-the-wheel driving school in Santa Clarita, we make sure every student learns the full range of safe driving techniques, including driving hand gestures approved by the California DMV. These signals help improve communication and keep everyone safe on the road.
In this post, we will explore everything about hand signals for driving, their meanings, and how to apply them in real-world situations.
The Significance of Hand Signals For Driving
Before learning the different hand signals for driving in California, it is important to understand when and why you might need them. When driving in the State of California, Vehicle Code 22108 requires all drivers to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes.
Turn signals, whether electronic or through driving hand gestures, fulfill important legal obligations. They also help you communicate your intended move clearly to other drivers, giving them enough time to react safely. Cyclists and other road users without functioning turn or brake lights should always use hand signals for driving to indicate turns and stops.
Knowing these California driving hand signals, along with having the proper safety equipment and a suitable vehicle, will help you stay safe on the road. Understanding hand signals when driving will allow you to communicate with other road users and interpret signals from other drivers effectively.
What are The Hand Signals for Driving?
There are three main DMV hand signals for driving that every driver should be familiar with- left turn, right turn, and slowing down/stopping.
1. Right Turn Hand Signal
To signal a right turn, extend your left arm out of the window with your elbow bent upward at a 90-degree angle, so your hand points upward. This driving hand gesture should be visible to drivers behind you.
2. Left Turn Hand Signal
To indicate a left turn, extend your right arm horizontally from the window with your forearm pointing towards the ground. Then, turn your forearm in an anticlockwise motion to signal your intent to turn left.
3. Stop Hand Signal
If you need to stop, extend your arm horizontally out of the window with your forearm pointing straight up. Keep your palm open and facing forward until you come to a stop.
4. Slow Hand Signal
To signal that you are slowing down, extend your hand out of the window with your palm facing the ground. Move your arm upward and then downward 3-4 times to indicate the need to slow down. Make sure to check for traffic behind you before using hand signals for driving to give the drivers behind you sufficient time to react.
When Should You Use Hand Signals for Driving?
There are different situations where turning hand signals for driving can be particularly used. Some of these are: –
Unable to See the Car behind You
If you cannot see the car behind you in your rearview mirror, stick your arm out the window and point in the direction you are turning. This driving hand gesture lets other drivers know which way you are going.
Changing Lanes
When changing lanes, raise your hand or arm to signal your intention to move over. Using clear hand signals for driving helps other drivers adjust their speed and position accordingly.
Indicators, Brake Lights are Not Working
If you suspect that your brake lights or blinkers have failed or are intermittent, it becomes essential that you use hand signals when driving. This may be the only way that other drivers on the road know that there is a problem or that your car may make sudden moves.
Thanking Someone
Sometimes, another driver will do something nice for you on the road, like letting you into their lane or giving you some space. If this happens, put your hand up to wave and say thank you. It is a friendly driving hand gesture that could make someone’s day.
Also Read: Best Driving Schools in Glendale
Effective Tips on Using Proper Hand Signal Techniques
Here are some tips you can follow on using proper hand signals for driving car: –
Use Correct Arm Movements
Distance and speed are important factors when using hand signals for driving to communicate with others on the road. Therefore, you should make big, correct arm movements when signaling to those behind you.
Extend your arm fully out of the window with your elbow visible outside the frame for maximum visibility. Proper arm movement helps ensure your driving hand signals CA are noticed by others.
Signal 150-200 Feet while Turning or Changing Lanes
Most state laws require the use of blinkers or driving hand signals at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. However, some states require signaling at least 200 feet before making a turn.
So, it’s important to know that most state laws require a driver to signal at least this distance for safety and legal compliance. Make sure to always check your state’s guidelines on California driving hand signals or general requirements to stay safe and legal.
Focus on the Safety
Before extending your arm, check your rearview mirror and side mirror to avoid hitting anything. You don’t want to suffer a hand or arm injury while using a hand signal for driving behind the wheel.
Avoid situations like making last-minute decisions or cutting over into different lanes. In instances like this, it is best to stay in the lane and turn around when appropriate or try another route.
Avoid Using Hand Signals at Night
You cannot rely on hand signals for driving in California at night while driving a vehicle. Visibility at night is already extremely low, which accounts for 50% of all traffic deaths. So, if your blinkers or brake lights aren’t working, do everything you can to avoid driving at night until they have been repaired.
The only exception to using hand signals when driving at night is if you are a cyclist. However, it is still dangerous. Make sure to wear reflective gear while riding a bicycle.
FAQs – Hand Signal for Driving
Here are answers to some of the most asked questions,
What are the three hand signals when driving?
The three basic driving hand signals are: –
- Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out of the driver’s window.
- Right turn: Extend your left arm out and upward at a 90-degree angle.
- Stop or slow down: Extend your left arm downward at a 90-degree angle with the palm facing back.
These California driving hand signals are legally recognized and are especially useful when your car’s turn signals aren’t working.
What is the sorry hand gesture while driving?
There is no official driving hand signal for “sorry.” However, most drivers use a simple wave or an open-handed gesture to apologize or show acknowledgment. This gesture is not a substitute for proper hand signals for driving in California or elsewhere and should not replace required signals during turns or stops.
Do they still teach hand signals for driving?
Yes, most driving schools in Santa Clarita and across California still include hand signals for driving in their curriculum, especially during the behind-the-wheel test. In fact, most states’ laws require a driver to signal at least 100 feet before turning, and knowing driving hand gestures helps if your vehicle’s indicators malfunction. It’s part of the essential safety knowledge every driver should have.
How to remember hand signals for driving?
An easy way to remember California driving hand signals is to associate each one with the shape of your arm: –
- Left turn: arm straight like the direction.
- Right turn: arm up like making an “L” for “left,” but it means right.
- Stop or slow: arm down like saying “slow down” with your hand.
Repetition during practice drives helps lock these hand gestures for driving into memory.
Conclusion – Hand Signals For Driving
Learning and using driving hand signals is a must for every beginner, especially when vehicle indicators fail or visibility is poor. These signals help communicate your intentions clearly to other drivers and keep the roads safer.
At Click2Drive, a trusted driving school in Santa Clarita, we train you on all essential road skills, including California-approved hand signals for turning, stopping, and slowing down. Our licensed instructors provide step-by-step guidance through behind-the-wheel training that prepares you for real-life driving conditions.
Enroll today for expert driving lessons in Santa Clarita and master every signal that keeps you safe on the road. Contact Us today!
