Don’t you dare think of getting on the road without knowing these Irish driver hand signals to help you navigate your major road journey.
Driving is a skill. We have to first wait until we turn 17 in this country, then take 12 lessons (some of us may need more) and finally attempt to pass the nerve-wracking test to claim the highly sought-after driver’s licence. We take all reasonable precautions necessary.
There is a lot to take in whilst learning how to navigate the road safely and match the ordinary speed limit, never mind navigating your way around a car (trying your best not to conk). It’s a challenging process.
However, we are here to teach you what your driving instructor won’t. The crucial hand signals that every Irish driver needs to know to survive it on the road. Your car may signal to another car what you are about to do but only you can tell them how you really feel.
Take notes if you would like to because this stuff is important to know. Here are ten Irish driver hand signals you’d better get right.
10. The one-finger salute – a subtle gesture but gets the message across
This signal involves lifting up the index finger on the right hand whilst keeping the rest of the hand on the wheel.
This gesture should be used in situations such as when you are letting someone go ahead of you, someone walking in front of your car at a crossing, or someone is reversing into a spot in front of you.
A big fancy gesture isn’t needed just something that says “no problem” or “go ahead”. See where this one ranks on the list of the top 10 Irish hand gestures you’d better get right.
9. The full-hand salute – a bit more generous
The full-hand salute should be used where someone has done you a favour and you are showing your appreciation.
An example of this Irish driver hand signal would be if someone were to let you go in front of them or let you have a parking spot. It’s driving language for “thank you, appreciate it”. Hey, it’s nice to be nice.
8. The wave – a big hello to the pals
When you see your friend either driving or walking, make sure to give them a big wave. This is an easy and efficient way to get their attention and let them know you see them.
However, sometimes another person might think you’re waving at them so make sure to target your wave at the right time.
7. Throwing the hands in the air – tell me someone has annoyed you without telling me someone has annoyed you
Sadly, there are bad drivers out there; not us, but they are out there. If someone on the road has caused you some annoyance, like not indicating or pulling out too fast, you throw your hands in the air to signal your annoyance.
We advise keeping this action brief as you need at least one hand on the wheel. If this hand gesture has ever been done in your direction, you may want to brush up on your driving skills.
6. Left-hand salute out the back window – always find a way to say thank you
This signal would be used in a situation where you are over-taking someone. Some people can be a bit smug when passing someone out. Don’t be that person.
Make sure upon passing the person out that you raise your left hand to salute so that they can see it out your back window. Simple right?
5. Thumbs up – one of the best Irish driver hand signals
This is a good backup signal if you forget the others. No one will be offended if they are given a thumbs up.
It’s even more enthusiastic than the other salutes and can even say to the person “great driving” or “that’s good with me”. We give this sign a …. you’ve probably guessed it.
4. The keep-coming gesture – this person means business, don’t keep them waiting
If you see this gesture pointed your way, you are being given the right-of-way. Don’t get into a “no, you go first” with the other driver. You have the green light to go.
Whoever makes the keep-coming gesture has already decided that they are letting you go. This situation may occur when you are hoping to turn in somewhere and another car is coming against you. Communication is key guys.
3. The hand out the window – for judging how warm it is
This signal can provide some guidance to those on the public roads who are wondering about the weather, and may help a lot on a long stretch of roadway.
On a hot day (a rare occasion) people may have their hand out the window to get that nice cool breeze. The braver ones have the whole arm out the window but we don’t recommend that.
2. The middle finger – not to be confused with the one-finger salute
Luckily, this signal means the same on the road as it does off the road…. we’ll let you fill in the blanks.
So, if you see this signal pointed at you, you’re either a very bad driver or the other driver has severe anger issues. Stay safe out there, the road can be an angry place.
1. The infamous “scan” – if you know, you know
This is a sign of respect among young road users more typically boy racers (boys who drive fast cars for those of you who are unsure).
So, make sure if you’re passing a good friend of yours, give them the “scan”. It may take you a while to get the hang of it, but soon it’ll be second nature to you.
Other notable mentions
Holding onto the handholds on the side of the car: This is in reference to the front seat passenger of the car. This may signal that they don’t particularly trust the driver. Many mothers and fathers know this action well when driving with their children.
Giving the two-fingers: We’re still trying to distinguish the situation where you would use the two-fingers (peace-sign turned around) instead of the middle finger. It wouldn’t be a good situation anyway.
FAQs about Irish driver hand signals
What road signals should you look out for in Ireland?
There are many and watch out for the contradictory signals. These could be pedestrian crossings, traffic signs and traffic lights, the speed limit, learner drivers, road markings, a road junction, and a one-way street.
These could also include your miles per hour, road signs, bus lanes, the traffic lane, the flow of traffic, and other signals by drivers. Watch out for the traffic conditions and don’t become an obstruction to traffic.
What side of the road do we drive on?
We drive on the left-hand lane of the road in Ireland, not the right-hand lane. This applies to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Are all our cars automatic?
No, we have a mixture of both automatic and manual.
Can you drive at 16 in Ireland?
No, you must wait until you are 17 to get your provisional licence and start taking driving lessons. Make sure to listen to the person in charge. Then you can get your driving licence.
