Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What is the purpose of using turn signals while driving?

1. To alert other drivers to a potential hazard

2. To indicate your intended direction to other drivers

3. To inform passengers in your vehicle

4. To comply with traffic laws only

The correct answer is: To indicate your intended direction to other drivers

Using turn signals while driving serves the primary purpose of indicating your intended direction to other drivers. This communication tool is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. By signaling your intentions—whether you're turning left, right, or changing lanes—you provide other drivers with essential information that allows them to anticipate your movements. This reduces the likelihood of collisions and enhances overall traffic flow. While signaling can also alert other drivers to a potential hazard or help your passengers understand your actions, those are secondary functions compared to the primary goal of ensuring other drivers know where you plan to go. Compliance with traffic laws is important, but the real-time communication that turn signals facilitate is vital for promoting safety on the roads. Proper use of turn signals reinforces the concept of responsible driving, which plays a significant role in preventing accidents and ensuring all road users can navigate safely.