Mississippi driving lesson · Speed, Signaling & Following Distance
Turn signals & arm signals
A 3-minute lesson from the Mississippi course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Signals are how you talk to other drivers. Use your blinkers well ahead of every turn, lane change, pass or parallel-parking move, and use them only to announce what YOU are doing.
Know the rule
Use your signal lights each time you intend to turn, change lanes, pass, or enter or exit a parallel parking space. The best way to notify other drivers is to signal well in advance.
If the vehicle ahead signals a turn, turn on your signal ONLY IF YOU ALSO INTEND TO TURN. Don't signal to warn others that the vehicle in front of you is turning.
Don't use your left signal to tell the driver behind you it's safe to pass. The driver behind you is responsible for deciding whether it's safe to pass.
Left turn: arm straight outRight turn: arm up, bent at the elbowSlow down or stop: arm down, palm to the rear
Put it into practice
Your turn signals stop working on the way home. Use arm signals: arm straight out for a left turn, arm up and bent at the elbow for a right turn, arm down with palm back to slow or stop, held for at least 100 feet before you act.
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.
Should you signal simply because the vehicle ahead of you activated its turn signal?
Yes, always signal to warn others
Only if you're following a large truck
Yes, but only on two-lane roads
Only signal if you also intend to turn
Answer: Only signal if you also intend to turn
You should activate your signal only if you also intend to turn, not just because the car ahead did.
