Motorcycle Test Tips

  • Learn to Ride
  • Theory Test
  • Motorcycle Test Tutorials
  • Motorcycle Test Tips
  • Riding & Maintenance Tips
Home Motorcycle Riding Tutorials When to Indicate on a Motorcycle

When to Indicate on a Motorcycle

The correct use of indicators / signals is important not only to let other road users know your intentions, but is also something that the examiner will expect on the module 2 riding test.

Mistimed, badly judged or failing to cancel a signal is something that can easily fail a module 2 motorcycle test.

Why Signal

Signaling allows other road user to prepare for your actions making it safer and more convenient for all road users. You must signal your intentions to account for drivers of other vehicles oncoming or following, cyclists and pedestrians.

When to Signal

Where it is necessary to inform other road users of your intentions. Moving off from a parked position where other road users may benefit from a signal including pedestrians. Junctions, left and right turns are a must as is changing lanes. You must signal only when it is safe to do so, by checking the relevant mirror first, followed by a over-the-shoulder check if necessary (mirror blind spot) and if you then determine it is safe to perform the manoeuvre, then indicate. If an action requires a signal, always indicate before slowing down, braking or changing road position.



Conflicting Signals

Motorcycle indicators should be applied and timed correctly

Motorcycle indicators should be applied and timed correctly

It’s important to ensure your signals are clearly understood by other road users and that they do not have two meanings. An example can be passing parked vehicles on the right. You may need to move onto the right-side of the road to pass the vehicles. Signaling to the right may cause confusion to other road users who might mistake your signals for your intention on making a right turn.

Timing of Signals

Timing of signals is important. Give signals early enough to allow other road users time to see and act on them. Avoid giving signals too early as this may be misleading for road users.



Cancelling Signals

Your motorcycle may not have self-canceling indicators and regardless of whether it does or not, you still must ensure that your signal is cancelled when the manoeuvre has been completed. This is a common test failure as it can cause confusion to other road users.

Using Signals and your Examiner

During the module 2 riding test, the examiner will be watching you to ensure you give signals in good time, give appropriate signals so not to cause confusion and that indicators are cancelled once the manoeuvre has been completed.

Arm Signals

The directional indicators on a motorcycle are close together and are not always very easy to see, especially bright sunlight. Using an arm signal is often a very effective way of informing other road users of your intention. For further information on arm signals see:

  • Motorcycle arm signals






Motorcycle Test Tips


Motorcycle Riding Tutorials
  • Motorcycle Instrument Panel
  • Motorcycle Dash Warning Lights
  • Using the Motorcycle Stand
  • Mounting and Dismounting
  • Starting a Motorcycle Engine
  • Moving Off On a Motorcycle
  • OSM PSL Routine
  • Motorcycle Road Positioning
  • Motorcycle 2 Second Rule
  • Motorcycle Angle Start
  • Motorcycle Hill Start
  • Motorcycle Blind Spot
  • Motorcycle Clutch Control & Bite Point
  • Using Motorcycle Gears
  • Motorcycle Braking Techniques
  • Pulling Over and Stopping
  • When to Indicate on a Motorcycle
  • Motorcycle Rear Observation
  • Motorcycle Junctions Tutorial
  • Motorcycle Roundabout Procedure
  • Left Turn / Right Turn Procedure
  • Pedestrian Crossings
  • Cornering on a Motorcycle
  • Overtaking on a Motorcycle
  • Motorcycle Arm Signals
  • Motorcycle U-Turn
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
2019 © Motorcycle Test Tips
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT