9.8. In which illustration did the driver correctly give the signal to start moving?
UAНа якому малюнку водій правильно подав сигнал про початок руху?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests how well a driver can properly warn other road users about their intention to start moving from the edge of the carriageway. Correct use of warning signals directly affects road safety, as timely and clear signaling helps avoid conflicts when entering the flow of traffic from the roadside or a stopping place.
The question relates to the section of the Traffic Rules on warning signals (points 9.2 and 9.3). In the theoretical exam, it is important to remember: before starting to move, the driver is required to signal with the turn indicator in the appropriate direction (p. 9.2). If the vehicle is standing at the right edge and begins to move onto the lane, the trajectory actually shifts to the left, so the left turn indicator is required.
The first option shows the correct action: the left turn indicator is on, which means a clear signal is given before starting to move according to the traffic rules. The second option is incorrect, because hand signals are used only in the absence or malfunction of turn indicators and only in the prescribed manner (p. 9.3). The third option is also not suitable: combining a light signal with an incorrect or contradictory gesture can mislead other drivers, whereas the key principle of warning in the traffic rules is unambiguity and clarity of the signal.
Clause 9.2
The driver must give signals with the direction indicators of the corresponding direction: a) before starting to move and stopping; b) before changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn.
Application to the question: before starting to move, the driver is required to turn on the appropriate direction indicator (depending on which edge of the carriageway they are starting from and which direction they are entering the traffic flow).
Clause 9.3
In the absence or malfunction of direction indicators, signals for starting to move from the right edge of the carriageway, stopping on the left, turning left, making a U-turn, or changing lanes to the left are given with the left arm extended to the side, or the right arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards.
Signals for starting to move from the left edge of the carriageway, stopping on the right, turning right, or changing lanes to the right are given with the right arm extended to the side, or the left arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards.
In the absence or malfunction of brake signals, such a signal is given with the left or right arm raised upwards.
Application to the question: hand signals are used only in the absence/malfunction of direction indicators, and they must correspond to the direction of starting to move (and a raised arm is a braking/stopping signal in the absence of brake lights, not a signal for starting to move).
That is, the correct answer is "In the first one.", considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, before starting to move (clause 9.2), the appropriate warning signal must be given, and hand signals (clause 9.3) are used only in the absence or malfunction of indicators and in the prescribed form.
Before starting to move, the driver is required to warn other road users about their intention. For this purpose, according to paragraph 9.2 of the Traffic Rules, a signal is given with the turn indicator of the required direction before the vehicle begins to enter the traffic flow.
In the situation shown in the illustrations, the car is standing near the right edge of the carriageway and begins to move, pulling out from the shoulder (or from the right edge) onto the lane. In fact, this means that the vehicle is deviating to the left towards the carriageway, so the warning signal should be to the left.
In the first illustration, the driver turns on the left turn indicator, that is, gives the correct signal before starting to move, as required by the rules.
The second illustration is not suitable, because a hand signal is used only when there are no or faulty turn indicators (paragraph 9.3 of the Traffic Rules). In addition, the gesture shown does not correspond to the signal for starting to move from the right edge: for this, there should be a gesture that clearly replaces the left turn indicator.
The third illustration is also incorrect, since giving signals simultaneously in different ways, and in a contradictory manner, misleads other drivers. The correct way is to give one clear signal in the appropriate direction.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In the first one.", because before starting to move from the right edge, a left turn signal must be given, and in the first illustration this is done by turning on the left turn indicator.