““After checking your mirrors and deciding that it’s safe to turn left, you need to let other road users know what you intend to do. The timing of your signal is important. Too early and other road users might think you intend to pull up on the left. Too late and they might not have enough time to react safely.
There is no fixed distance at which to give a signal. The timing will depend on the location of the turn, the speed that you will be turning and the speed limit on faster roads.
You will need to signal sooner to allow others enough time to respond. Likewise, if the turn is very tight and requries you to go very slow, or even stop, before turning, take care not to give misleading signals.
If there is a road on the left, before the one you wish to take, don’t signal until you are passing it. If there is a car parked just before the junction, move out into position to pass before signalling left, otherwise other drivers might think that you intend to park behind it.
The key points are:
– Always check your mirrors before signalling.
– There is no fixed distance from which you should give a signal.
– Location, speed and speed limit will affect the timing of your signal.
– Signal sooner on fast roads and for very tight turns.
– Take care not to give misleading signals.
