Riding on the road: Know your hand signals

YOU must signal your intentions on the road. Your signals must be clear, decisive and given in good time. Never signal with a whip in your hand. Always look behind before you signal and never move off without signalling.

Asking a driver to slow down

Make eye contact with the driver. Put both reins in your left hand with your crop under your left thumb. When it is safe to do so, extend your right arm at shoulder level, with your palm facing the ground. Move your arm up and down slowly and repeat as necessary. Place your hand back on the reins before the driver passes.

Asking a driver to stop

Make eye contact with the driver. Put both reins and crop in your left hand. When it is safe to do so, extend your right arm at shoulder level with your elbow bent and your palm facing the driver. Place your hand back on the reins before passing the vehicle.

Turning left

Put the reins and the crop into your right hand. When it is safe to do so, extend your left arm at shoulder level, with the fingers together and your palm facing to the front. Keep your hand out for about three seconds before placing your hand back on the reins. Check the traffic again, use the Life Saver Look and look over both shoulders. When it is safe to do so, make the turn. In case of a lengthy delay consider a repeat hand signal.

Turning right

Turning right can be more dangerous. Plan your turn well in advance. When it is safe to do so, signal in good time. Move into the centre of the lane when you are turning. Check for traffic. Signal when safe and in good time. Check again for traffic before reaching the right turn. When you reach the junction, stop, and check traffic again. When it is safe to go, use the Life Saver Look, signal again and make your turn safely without delay.

Life Saver Look

This is your final check of traffic from all directions before moving off or changing route.