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Kentucky driving lesson · Vehicle Control & Space

Headlights, horn & signals

A 3-minute lesson from the Kentucky 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
Vehicle Control & Space
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
58, 59

Other road users can't react to you if they can't see you or don't know what you're about to do. Headlights, the horn, turn signals and brake lights are how you communicate.

Know the rule

It's your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is visible to other road users.

Handbook p. 58 ↗

Know the rule

Headlights must be on from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Also turn headlights on:

  • On rainy, snowy or foggy days
  • When it begins to get dark
  • When driving away from a rising or setting sun
  • Whenever you have trouble seeing other vehicles—they probably can't see you either
Handbook p. 59 ↗

A light tap on the horn is appropriate when:

  • Pedestrians or bicyclists seem to be moving into your lane
  • You're passing a driver who starts to turn into your lane
  • A driver isn't paying attention or may have trouble seeing you
Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

Use the horn only to communicate—misuse can scare or anger others. Don't use your horn near blind pedestrians.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

Signal before changing lanes or passing, turning left or right, or merging into traffic.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Also signal before:

  • Making a turnabout (turnaround)
  • Entering or leaving a freeway or interstate
  • Pulling away from the curb
  • Pulling over to the side of the road
Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

Signal every time you change direction, even when no one seems to be around—the vehicle you don't see is the most dangerous. Check blind spots over your shoulder.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

A turn signal doesn't give you the right-of-way. Cancel it after your move. Your vehicle must have mechanical signals—hand signals can't be used.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Signal (with your brake lights) before slowing when:

  • Turning off a road that has no separate turning or exit lanes
  • Parking or turning just before an intersection
Handbook p. 59 ↗

Put it into practice

You're pulling away from the curb on an empty street at dawn. Signal anyway and look over your shoulder—a cyclist you hadn't noticed may be coming up behind you.

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.

Kentucky law requires headlights to be illuminated during which period?
  1. Only in fog or rain
  2. Only between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  3. From 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise
  4. From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise

Answer: From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise

Headlights must be illuminated from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
Kentucky law requires turn signals to be given using:
  1. No signal is legally required
  2. Hand signals only
  3. Either hand signals or mechanical devices
  4. Mechanical signals, not hand signals

Answer: Mechanical signals, not hand signals

Your vehicle must have mechanical turn signals; hand signals cannot be used in place of them.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
You should use your horn to alert other roadway users, but you should NOT use it:
  1. Near blind pedestrians
  2. When a bicyclist appears to be moving into your lane
  3. When a driver may not have seen you
  4. When passing a driver starting to turn into your lane

Answer: Near blind pedestrians

The manual specifically warns against using your horn near blind pedestrians, as it can startle them.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
Turn signals give you the right-of-way as soon as you activate them.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

You do not have the right-of-way just by turning on your signal; you must still confirm it is safe to proceed.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
Before pulling away from the curb, the manual says you should:
  1. Turn on your hazard flashers
  2. Honk your horn once
  3. Signal your intention
  4. Check only your inside mirror

Answer: Signal your intention

You must use your turn signal before pulling away from the curb.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
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