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Connecticut driving lesson · Signals, Emergencies & Crashes

Turn signals, brake signals and hand signals

A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Signals, Emergencies & Crashes
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
40, 41

Other drivers expect you to keep doing what you're doing. Signals warn them before you change direction or slow down, giving them time to react. Signal every time, at the right moment, and turn it off afterward.

Know the rule

Use your turn signals or hand signals before you change lanes, turn, merge into traffic, or park.

Handbook p. 40 ↗

Know the rule

Signal every time you change direction, even when you don't see anyone around — it's easy to miss someone who needs to know.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
3 seconds

Try to signal at least this long before you make your move

Handbook p. 41 ↗

Know the rule

Don't signal too early. If there are streets, driveways or entrances between you and your turn, wait until you pass them — e.g., for a driveway just after an intersection, signal once you reach the intersection.

Handbook p. 41 ↗

Know the rule

If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and your turn, wait until you've passed it before signaling, or it may pull into your path.

Handbook p. 41 ↗

Know the rule

After a turn or lane change, make sure your signal is off; after small turns it may not cancel itself, and others may think you'll turn again.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
Hand signals (left, right, slow/stop)
Hand signals: left turn, right turn, slow or stop

Know the rule

If you'll stop or slow where others won't expect it, tap your brake pedal quickly three or four times to warn drivers behind you.

Handbook p. 41 ↗

Tap your brakes early when:

  • Turning off a road that has no separate turn or exit lanes
  • Parking or turning just before an intersection
  • Approaching an intersection where you expect to turn
  • Avoiding something in the road the driver behind can't see, including stopped or slowing traffic
Handbook p. 41 ↗

Put it into practice

You plan to turn into a gas station just past a side street. If you signal before the side street, a driver waiting there may think you're turning onto their street and pull out. Wait until you pass the side street, then signal.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

How many seconds before a turn should you signal, according to the handbook?
  1. At least one second before your move
  2. Exactly at the moment you turn
  3. At least three seconds before your move
  4. At least ten seconds before you make your move

Answer: At least three seconds before your move

Try to signal at least three seconds before you make your move.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
You plan to turn into a driveway just after an upcoming intersection. When should you signal?
  1. Once you reach the intersection
  2. Signal only after entering the driveway
  3. Signal is unnecessary for a driveway turn
  4. Signal well before the intersection

Answer: Once you reach the intersection

If there are intersections between you and your turn, wait until you've reached that point before signaling to avoid confusing other drivers.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
What should you do with your turn signal after completing a turn or lane change?
  1. Tap the brake to cancel it
  2. Leave it on for the next quarter mile
  3. It automatically cancels every time, no check needed
  4. Check it's off; small turns may not cancel it

Answer: Check it's off; small turns may not cancel it

After a turn or lane change, make sure your turn signal is off; after small turns, it may not click off by itself.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
What should you do if you must stop or slow at a place another driver wouldn't expect?
  1. Tap your brake pedal three or four times
  2. Signal with your hand out the window only
  3. Flash your hazard lights once
  4. Sound a light tap on the horn

Answer: Tap your brake pedal three or four times

Tap your brake pedal quickly three or four times to let drivers behind you know you are about to slow down.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
Why should you avoid signaling too early before a turn if there are intersections in between?
  1. Your signal may cancel before you turn
  2. Oncoming drivers may think you're changing lanes
  3. A driver may think you're turning where they are
  4. Drivers behind may try to pass you on the right

Answer: A driver may think you're turning where they are

If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn where they are and pull into your path.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
You should signal every time you change direction, even if you don't see anyone else around.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Get into the habit of signaling every time you change direction, even when you don't see anyone else around.

Handbook p. 41 ↗
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