Illinois CDL Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of using turn signals?

1. To communicate with pedestrians

2. To warn drivers of a potential hazard

3. To inform other drivers of your intended direction

4. To indicate the current speed of the vehicle

The correct answer is: To inform other drivers of your intended direction

The primary purpose of using turn signals is to inform other drivers of your intended direction. Turn signals serve as a critical communication tool on the road, helping to indicate to nearby motorists which way a driver plans to turn or merge. This communication is essential for maintaining safety and preventing collisions, as it allows other drivers to anticipate movements and adjust their actions accordingly. The act of signaling gives other road users clear information about your intentions, thereby facilitating a smoother traffic flow and reducing confusion on the road. While communicating with pedestrians and warning drivers of potential hazards are important aspects of road safety, they do not specifically capture the primary function of turn signals. Additionally, indicating the current speed of the vehicle is not related to the purpose of turn signals, as this information is not conveyed through signaling.