Priority Signalling and Road Markings
Direction indicators and hand signals
Direction indicators announce intention, not a right. Signal early enough for others to react, and cancel it afterwards. When turning, indicate before the manoeuvre; when changing lanes or overtaking, indicate and check mirrors and blind spot. If indicators fail, hand signals may be used. A raised arm bent at the elbow with the hand upward signals a right turn; an arm extended straight out signals a left turn; an arm moved up and down signals slowing down. These hand signals matter in questions about broken indicator lamps.
Horn, lights and other signals
Use the horn only to warn of danger, never to express annoyance. Flashing headlights warns of danger or announces overtaking; it does not grant priority. At night, use dipped headlights; main beam must be dipped when meeting traffic or following closely. Hazard warning lights signal a breakdown or an obstacle, not a parking permission.
Road markings and their meaning
Solid lines must not be crossed. A solid white centre line separates opposing traffic and forbids crossing. Broken lines may be crossed when safe. A solid line on your side beside a broken line means you may not cross; the broken side may. Zebra stripes mark pedestrian crossings where pedestrians have priority once they step on. Stop lines mark where you must stop at a stop sign. Yellow markings often indicate bus stops, no-parking zones or temporary works. Arrows on the road show permitted directions for that lane.
Worked example
You approach a junction where your lane has a solid line on your side and a broken line on the other side. You may not cross the solid line, so you cannot overtake or change into the oncoming side there. If the broken line were on your side, crossing would be permitted when safe. Trap: candidates assume any broken line allows overtaking regardless of visibility.
Traps in exam questions
A signal does not create priority; do not assume a flashing indicator means the other driver will turn. Solid means no crossing, broken means cross only when safe.