How to Use a Vehicle's Direction Indicators Correctly
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Direction indicators should be activated several seconds before a turn or lane change, and manually checked to make sure they cancel properly afterward, since a signal left on can confuse or mislead other drivers.
Direction indicators seem simple, but a few mechanical details determine whether they actually communicate your intentions clearly.
Correct Timing
Activate your indicator several seconds before turning or changing lanes, giving other drivers real advance warning rather than confirming a move already in progress.
Making Sure It Cancels
Most indicators cancel automatically after a turn, but sharp lane changes or tight turns can sometimes leave them running. Check your dashboard indicator light after any manoeuvre to confirm it has switched off.
A Signal Left On Is Its Own Hazard
A forgotten, still-flashing indicator misleads other drivers about your next move just as much as failing to signal at all, so treat cancellation as part of the same habit as consistent signaling.