BTT chapter guide
BTT signals and communication explained
14 BTT practice questions in this chapter · unofficial practice, not the official question bank
Signals are how you tell other road users what you are about to do, and the BTT checks both sides of that conversation. This chapter covers when to start signalling and why to cancel an indicator, how to pull out from a parked position, what a police officer's hand signals mean for you, and why you should not rely on a passer-by waving you on.
It also covers the horn and headlights: when sounding the horn is appropriate and when it is not, why flashing or honking at a slow car ahead is treated as rude, how a flash of the headlights can warn others at a blind curve, and thanking a driver who lets you in. Many answers here are about safety and courtesy rather than a fixed number.
Sample questions, explained
12 of the 14 questions in this chapter, with the reasoning behind each answer.
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1. A police officer directing traffic signals vehicles from his front and from behind him to stop. You are approaching from his left. What does the signal mean for you?
- AYou may proceed (correct answer)
- BYou must stop
- CYou must reverse
- DYou must turn left only
Why: In this signal the officer stops traffic from in front of and behind him, while traffic from his right and left may go. A police officer's signals take precedence over traffic lights and signs.
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2. A police officer signals that right-turning vehicles in front of him may proceed. You are approaching from his left and want to go straight. What should you do?
- AGo ahead, as you are not turning
- BStop, as traffic from all other directions must wait (correct answer)
- CTurn right instead
- DGo if the traffic light is green
Why: This signal lets only right-turning traffic in front of the officer move. Vehicles from all other directions must stop, whatever the traffic lights show.
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3. You are waiting to pull out of a junction. A passer-by waves you on. What should you do?
- APull out at once, since you have been waved on
- BFlash your headlights and go
- CCheck for yourself that it is safe, as signals from unauthorised people must not be relied on (correct answer)
- DSound the horn and pull out
Why: Only authorised persons, such as police officers, may direct traffic. Look right, left and right again and go only when you are sure it is safe.
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4. You are approaching a curve or intersection where visibility is poor. How can your headlights help?
- ASwitch them off to save power
- BFlash them to let others know you are coming (correct answer)
- CTurn on the interior light
- DKeep them on hazard mode
Why: Flashing your headlights there lets pedestrians, cyclists and oncoming drivers know you are heading into the curve or junction.
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5. Another driver gives way to let you into their lane. What is the gracious thing to do?
- ASound your horn twice
- BFlash your hazard lights for ten seconds
- CNothing, as you had the right of way
- DShow a 'thank you' hand gesture (correct answer)
Why: When someone gives you the right of way, a thank-you gesture is courteous. Small acts of courtesy help keep tempers calm on the road.
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6. You are approaching a pedestrian crossing and plan to slow down or stop for pedestrians. What should you do?
- ASignal to other drivers that you intend to slow down or stop (correct answer)
- BOvertake the car ahead before the crossing
- CSound your horn so the pedestrians hurry
- DBrake suddenly without warning
Why: Signalling your intention lets drivers behind prepare to slow down too. Near a crossing, be ready to stop and do not overtake.
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7. How long before a manoeuvre should you start signalling?
- AAt least 3 seconds before (correct answer)
- BAt the moment you start turning
- CAt least 1 second before
- DSignalling is optional if no one is behind you
Why: Give a clear signal at least 3 seconds before you act. That gives other road users time to see it and respond safely.
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8. You are pulling out from a parking place at the side of the road. What should you do?
- APull out quickly before a gap closes
- BSignal only if another car is close behind
- CGive a clear signal in good time and pull out only when it is safe (correct answer)
- DSound the horn instead of signalling
Why: Pulling out from a parking place is one of the moves that needs a clear signal in good time. Moving traffic has priority, so wait for a safe gap.
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9. You have finished changing lanes but your indicator is still flashing. Why should you cancel it?
- AIt drains the battery quickly
- BIt is only a problem at night
- CA flashing indicator gives you right of way
- DOther road users may think you are about to turn or change lanes again (correct answer)
Why: An indicator left on sends a false message. Cancel signals once they are not needed so you do not confuse other road users.
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10. When should you sound your horn?
- ATo tell a slow driver to speed up
- BTo warn other road users of danger, such as a likely collision (correct answer)
- CTo show annoyance at a mistake
- DTo make others give way to you in a crowded place
Why: The horn is a warning device. Using it to show anger or to demand the right of way is wrong and can startle other road users.
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11. The car in front is driving slowly. How should you treat flashing your headlights or blasting your horn at it?
- AAs the correct way to ask it to move over
- BAs required before you overtake
- CAs acceptable on two-lane roads only
- DAs rude; keep a safe distance instead (correct answer)
Why: The handbook describes flashing headlights or blasting the horn at slower vehicles ahead as rude. Keep a safe following distance and overtake only when it is safe.
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12. You hear a siren and pull off the road to make way for an emergency vehicle. Why should you switch on your direction signal?
- ATo claim the lane after the vehicle has passed
- BIt is not needed when giving way
- CTo show the emergency vehicle's driver that you know it is there (correct answer)
- DTo tell the vehicle to overtake on the left
Why: Signalling as you pull over tells the emergency vehicle's driver that you have seen it and are giving way, so they can plan their path.
Practise all 14 BTT signals & communication questions
Unofficial practice questions written by coeprice.com. We are not affiliated with the Singapore Police Force, the LTA or any driving centre. Study the official handbook for your test.
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