South Dakota Driving Practice Test

If a driver has their hand out of the window and is pointing straight up, it indicates that they are making a right turn. This hand signal is universally recognized as a way to communicate to other road users their intention to turn right without the use of vehicle signals.

Hand signals are important for safety, especially in situations where the vehicle’s turn indicators may not be visible or functioning properly. The upward position of the hand is distinctive and helps ensure that other drivers and pedestrians can easily see and understand the intention to turn right.

In contrast, other hand signals convey different intentions: a hand extended straight out signals a left turn, while a hand pointing downwards typically indicates a stop. Therefore, recognizing these signals is crucial for road safety and effective communication among drivers.