New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

What is the correct way to signal when turning on a motorcycle?

1. Using hand signals only

2. Using turn signals and hand signals

3. Only using turn signals

4. Not signaling to avoid confusion

The correct answer is: Using turn signals and hand signals

When turning on a motorcycle, using both turn signals and hand signals is considered the correct practice for several important reasons. First, motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, which makes it essential to communicate your intentions clearly to other road users. By using turn signals, you activate the motorcycle’s built-in indicators, which signal your intended turn to vehicles behind and beside you. In addition to using turn signals, hand signals provide extra visibility and can be particularly effective in situations where the turn signals might be overlooked or not functioning properly. For instance, extending your left arm horizontally can indicate a left turn, while bending your arm upward signals a right turn. This redundancy ensures that your intentions are clear, reducing the chance of miscommunication with other drivers. Relying solely on hand signals or turn signals can lead to misunderstandings. Hand signals alone may not be clearly seen, especially at high speeds or in poor visibility conditions, while only using turn signals can sometimes be insufficient, particularly if they are not noticed by nearby drivers. Additionally, not signaling at all can create confusion among other road users and increase the risk of accident or injury. Therefore, the practice of using both turn signals and hand signals is the best approach for safety and clarity when making a turn