Signal before stopping or changing direction
Give a clear signal in good time before stopping, turning or moving sideways. It must be visible to the road users who need to react, including those approaching from ahead, behind or a side road. A last-second signal does not provide useful warning.
Signal after checking the situation and before the movement, then continue observing. The signal tells others what you intend; it does not require them to give way. Cancel an indicator after the manoeuvre so that the next driver does not mistake it for a new turn.
Direction-indicator operation
Indicators must communicate from both sides as prescribed and flash when operating. The manual requires a direction signal visible from 30 m in normal daylight. Front indicators use the permitted white, yellow or amber display; rear indicators the permitted yellow, amber or red display. Vehicle approval and equipment rules govern the actual fitting: do not modify lamps merely because a colour appears in a general learner description.
Check indicators before a journey, particularly after trailer coupling or bulb failure. Do not confuse the brake lamps with direction indicators. On a freeway, hand signals are not the normal alternative; the manual restricts them to a cause beyond the driver’s control.
Use the horn for safety
Use the horn only when safety requires a warning, such as alerting someone who is about to enter your path. It is not for greeting, impatience or punishing another driver. The prescribed warning device must work and, for the light-vehicle requirement in the manual, be clearly audible to a person with normal hearing at 90 m.
A private vehicle may not use a musical warning device or a siren as if it were an emergency vehicle. A loud horn does not replace braking or making space to avoid a collision.
Worked situation
You indicate left before changing into a lane, but a motorcycle is still travelling alongside. Continue in your lane until it is safe; do not begin moving and expect the motorcycle to disappear. The indicator communicates your intention while your observations determine whether you may act.