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Tennessee driving lesson · Turning, Passing & Lane Use

Signaling your moves

A 3-minute lesson from the Tennessee 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
Turning, Passing & Lane Use
Checkpoint questions
4
Source pages
69, 70

Unless you signal, other drivers expect you to keep going straight in your lane. A signal gives drivers, cyclists and pedestrians time to react — but it never gives you the right-of-way. The car you don't see is the most dangerous one, so signal every time.

The most common turning faults

  • Failing to signal
  • Not signaling long enough
  • Failing to search for hazards
  • Turning from the wrong lane
  • Failing to turn properly
Handbook p. 69 ↗

Know the rule

Turning rules apply everywhere, including driveways and alleys. Turn from the closest lane in your direction into the closest legal lane in the direction you want to go.

Handbook p. 69 ↗

Always signal before:

  • Changing lanes or moving right or left
  • Turning at an intersection or into a driveway, alley or lot
  • Entering or exiting an interstate or controlled-access road
  • Pulling away from a curb
  • Pulling over to the curb or roadside
  • Slowing down or stopping suddenly
Handbook p. 69 ↗
50 feet

Minimum distance to signal before a turn or lane change

Handbook p. 70 ↗
Hand signals (left turn, right turn, stop or slow)
Hand signals: left turn, right turn, stop or slow

Hand signal tips

  • Extend your arm well out of the window, in plenty of time
  • Bring your arm back in during the turn to control the wheel
  • At night hand signals are hard to see except in well-lit areas
  • Use them in bright sun, which washes out signal lights
  • In heavy traffic they reach drivers several cars back
Handbook p. 69 ↗

Turn signal light tips

  • Check often that your signals work
  • Keep front and rear lenses clean of dirt, ice and snow
  • To signal a stop, lightly pump your brakes a few times
  • Turn the signal off after using it — a forgotten one still says 'turn'
Handbook p. 69 ↗

Know the rule

If you plan to turn just beyond an intersection, don't signal until you're in the intersection, or a driver may think you're turning there and pull into your path.

Handbook p. 70 ↗

Know the rule

Don't use your signals to wave the driver behind you around, or to repeat the turn signal of a car ahead. Your brake lights are enough warning.

Handbook p. 70 ↗

Know the rule

Slowing down is itself a signal — your brake lights flash. Signal every time you change direction, even if no one seems to be around.

Handbook p. 70 ↗

Put it into practice

You've pulled over to check directions and want to rejoin traffic. Signal left long enough to alert oncoming drivers, check your mirror and blind spot, and merge only when there's a real gap. Then cancel the 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 far before a turn must you signal your intention to turn?
  1. At least 10 feet before the turn
  2. At least 500 feet before the turn
  3. At least 50 feet before the turn
  4. There is no minimum distance

Answer: At least 50 feet before the turn

You must turn on your turn signal at least 50 feet before making the turn.

Handbook p. 70 ↗
One of the most common turning mistakes new drivers make is:
  1. Not signaling, or not long enough
  2. Turning the wheel too slowly
  3. Stopping too early before the intersection
  4. Braking too gently before the turn

Answer: Not signaling, or not long enough

Common turning faults include failing to signal, not signaling long enough, and turning from the wrong lane.

Handbook p. 69 ↗
You should turn off your turn signal after completing a turn so other drivers are not confused by an unintended signal.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Leaving your turn signal on after a turn may cause other drivers to think you're about to turn again, so cancel it.

Handbook p. 69 ↗
You plan to turn into a driveway just past an intersection. When should you turn on your signal?
  1. Once you are in the intersection
  2. At least 50 feet before the intersection
  3. Only after passing the intersection
  4. At least 500 feet before the driveway

Answer: Once you are in the intersection

If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, don't signal until you are in the intersection, or others may think you're turning at it.

Handbook p. 70 ↗
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