When preparing for your driving test in Ireland, it’s easy to focus on clutch control, parallel parking, and mastering roundabouts. But there’s one area that many learners overlook — hand signals. Although rarely used in everyday driving due to indicator lights, the RSA (Road Safety Authority) still requires you to understand and demonstrate hand signals as part of your driving test.
In this blog post, GoDrive School of Motoring will guide you through everything you need to know about hand signals for the Irish driving test — what they are, when to use them, and why they still matter in modern driving.
🚗 Why Are Hand Signals Still Important?
Even with fully functional indicators and brake lights, hand signals remain a critical safety backup and a core part of the theory and practical driving tests in Ireland.
Here’s why:
- ✅ Vehicle light failure: If your indicators stop working, hand signals help you communicate intentions.
- ✅ Pedestrian and cyclist awareness: Clear, visible signals help people without a clear view of your lights understand your movements.
- ✅ Driving test requirement: Examiners expect learners to know them — especially if asked in the technical questions section or as part of the demonstration.
✋ The 3 Key Hand Signals You Must Know
There are three primary hand signals required for your driving test in Ireland. You must use your right hand (driver’s side) and extend it out the driver-side window.
1. 🚘 Turning Left
Signal: Extend your right arm straight out the window and rotate your forearm in a circular motion, clockwise.
Purpose: This indicates to other road users that you are about to make a left turn.
Remember: Even though it’s your left turn, you must signal with your right arm — this is the only arm visible to traffic behind you.
2. 🚘 Turning Right
Signal: Extend your right arm straight out horizontally from the window with the palm facing forward.
Purpose: Tells others you’re preparing to make a right turn.
Tip: Keep your arm steady and straight — this is the simplest and most commonly used hand signal.
3. 🛑 Slowing Down or Stopping
Signal: Extend your right arm downward out of the window, with the palm open and facing rearward (toward the driver behind you).
Purpose: Communicates your intention to slow down or stop, especially helpful if your brake lights aren’t functioning.
🧠 When Are Hand Signals Used in the Driving Test?
While you may not be asked to use them during the actual drive, knowledge and demonstration of hand signals are a part of the pre-drive technical checks. Your driving examiner might ask:
- “Can you show me the hand signal for turning right?”
- “What would you do if your indicator stopped working?”
That’s why knowing these hand signals isn’t optional — it’s part of passing your test.
✅ How to Practice Hand Signals Effectively
At GoDrive School of Motoring, we help learners become confident not just behind the wheel, but also in their theoretical and technical knowledge. Here’s how you can get comfortable with hand signals:
- Practice in a parked car with your instructor.
- Learn the purpose behind each gesture — not just the movement.
- Use mirrors and shoulder checks along with hand signals if ever needed during actual driving.
- Watch RSA theory videos or animations showing hand signals in use.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the left arm — signals must always be made with the right arm.
- Forgetting to bring your hand back inside quickly after the signal.
- Using a lazy or unclear gesture — make sure your signals are firm and visible.
- Not knowing the difference between the hand signal for turning and for slowing down.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Hand Signals Are a Key Part of Road Safety
Though rare in everyday modern driving, hand signals are an essential safety backup and a core requirement of your driving test in Ireland. At GoDrive, we ensure you’re not just learning how to drive — you’re learning to be a well-prepared, confident, and safety-conscious driver.
Whether you’re taking lessons in Galway City, Salthill, Knocknacarra, Oranmore, or Moycullen, our instructors ensure you’re equipped with all the knowledge needed to pass your test — including hand signals!
✍️ Ready to Learn More?
Book your driving lesson today at GoDrive School of Motoring, Galway’s trusted driving school.
📍 Unit 4, Westside Shopping Centre, Seamus Quirke Rd, Galway, H91 W7D9
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +353 89 432 4325
🌐 Visit our website for bookings and packages.