Ask a Cop: Do We Still Have to Know How to Do Hand Signals on a Driving Test?

Editor's note: This article was written by Patch Editor Brad Kava. He occasionally asks local law enforcement to answer readers' questions. Send your queries to brad.kava@patch.com. Thank you.

Question from Patch reader: My friend just took her driving license test at the DMV in Redwood City. Since she had trouble passing the eye test, she was required to take a driving test. The tester remarked that she did not put her arm out of the window to signal a turn. I thought that this type of signal went out when autos were equipped with turn signals. Thank you for your answer.

Answer from CHP's Bradley Sadek, who also sings like a pro (see video here): This sort of signal is STILL around. However, if a vehicle is equipped with signal lamps (turn signals) the driver does not need to use hand signals. If, for some reason, those lamps become inoperable, then the driver is required to use arm signals.