Traffic Signals and Police Hand Signals
Signal items test one hierarchy: a police officer's signals override traffic lights, and traffic lights override signs and markings. If you answer by the light while an officer is directing traffic, you fail the item.
Traffic lights
- Steady red: stop behind the stop line, not on the crossing.
- Amber: stop, unless you are so close that stopping would itself be dangerous. Amber is never an invitation to accelerate.
- Green: proceed only if the junction is clear. Blocking the box on a green light is still an offence.
- Flashing amber at a junction: proceed with caution and give way.
- Green arrow: protected movement in the arrow's direction only.
Police hand signals
- Officer facing you with an arm raised, palm forward: stop.
- Officer standing side-on with an arm extended: traffic in that direction stops.
- Officer's back turned towards you: you may proceed.
- Beckoning arm movement: move forward.
- Whistle: one long blast means stop; short blasts mean move on.
Your own hand signals
- Right turn: right arm straight out. Left turn: left arm straight out.
- Slowing: right arm out with the palm pushing down. Stopping: right arm out and bent downward.
- Use them when an indicator fails, and cancel the indicator after every turn.
Worked example
The light is green, but an officer faces you with a raised palm. Correct answer: stop. The officer's signal is the highest authority at that moment, and proceeding is an offence even on green.
Traps that cost marks
- Accelerating on amber to beat the light.
- Obeying a green light while an officer waves cross traffic through.
- Leaving an indicator flashing after a turn, which misleads the rider behind you.