Know Your Hand Signals Before Test Day
Hand signals are a small part of the Irish driving test, but they catch a lot of learners out because they are rarely used in normal driving.
During your test, the examiner may ask you to demonstrate hand signals before you drive. You do not need to panic — you just need to know what each signal means and show it clearly.
Hand signals are used when other road users need to understand your intention, especially if indicators or brake lights are not working properly.
Quick Test Tip
Hand signals do not give you right of way. They only tell others what you intend to do. You must still check mirrors, observe properly, and only move when safe.
The Main Hand Signals You Need to Know
1. I am going to turn or move out to the right
Use this for: traffic behind you.
How to show it:
Put your right arm straight out of the driver’s window, pointing clearly to the right.
Memory tip:
Right arm out = right turn or moving out.
Graphic 1 Above:
Car viewed from behind, driver’s right arm straight out, arrow pointing right.
2. I am going to turn left
Use this for: traffic behind you.
How to show it:
Put your right arm out of the window and move it in a circular anti-clockwise motion.
Memory tip:
Circle motion = I am turning left.
Graphic 2 Above:
Car viewed from behind, driver arm outside window making circular arrow motion.
3. I am slowing down or stopping
Use this for: traffic behind you.
How to show it:
Put your right arm out of the window and move it slowly up and down.
Memory tip:
Up and down = slow down.
Graphic 3 Above:
Car viewed from behind, driver arm out, vertical arrows up and down.
4. I want to turn right
Use this for: oncoming traffic, Garda, flagman, or pointsman.
How to show it:
Put your right arm straight out, pointing to your right.
Memory tip:
Point right = I want to turn right.
5. I want to turn left
Use this for: oncoming traffic, Garda, flagman, or pointsman.
How to show it:
Extend your right arm and forearm across your body, pointing towards the left.
Memory tip:
Arm across body = I want to go left.
6. I want to go straight ahead
Use this for: oncoming traffic, Garda, flagman, or pointsman.
How to show it:
Raise your right hand upright with your palm facing forward.
Memory tip:
Palm up = I am going straight.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Showing the signal too weakly
The examiner needs to clearly see what you mean. Make the signal obvious.
Mixing up left turn and slow down
Left turn is a circular motion.
Slow down is an up-and-down motion.
Thinking the signal gives priority
It does not. You still need mirrors, observation, judgement, and safe timing.
Forgetting the “traffic behind” signals
Most learners remember right turn but forget the left turn and slow/stop signals.
Hand Signals Driving Test Practice Quiz
Question 1
Your indicator is not working and you want to move out to the right. What hand signal should you give?
Answer: Right arm straight out.
Question 2
You want to slow down or stop. What signal should you give?
Answer: Right arm out, moving up and down.
Question 3
You want to turn left for traffic behind you. What signal should you give?
Answer: Right arm out, moving in an anti-clockwise circular motion.
Question 4
Do hand signals give you right of way?
Answer: No. They only show your intention.
Final Test-Day Reminder
The examiner is not looking for a Hollywood performance. They want to see that you understand the signals and can show them clearly.
Before your driving test, spend two minutes practising:
Right arm out = right
Circular motion = left
Up and down = slow or stop
Palm up = straight ahead
That is usually enough to stop this becoming an easy lost mark.