PureCar
DVA report 11.0–11.3

Appropriate Signals on the Northern Ireland driving test

Signals should be clear, correctly timed and useful to other road users without creating confusion.

What the examiner is assessing

Use recognised signals when they are needed, give them in good time and cancel them after the manoeuvre.

The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.

Examples of weaknesses in this area

These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.

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Signalling so early that another road user could misunderstand your intention.

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Failing to signal when it would clearly help another road user or pedestrian.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Before signalling, ask who will benefit from the information.
  2. Practise cancelling indicators and checking that automatic cancellation has actually happened.

Turn the report into practice

Other report categories

Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 21 September 2026.
Official source ↗