Hand signals on a driving test?

Question

What started with a joke, end up with a serious question.

Can you use hand signals on a driving test instead of your light signals? They're still in the British highway code and I was asked about them on my theory test but they are never used by motorists, even motorcyclists don't use them. I believe they can be used but my brother says as both brake lights and indicator lights are on the MOT test, if they don't work your car is unlawful on the road and therefore this would give the police good cause to pull you over even if you are giving hand signals. He then feels that not using your indicators and/or not having a working brake light would be an automatic fail.

Answer 1

Hand signals are only to be used on motorcycles pre 1973 and automobiles when the electrical system fails but is not a legitimate excuse in this day and age since everything in a modern vehicle uses electricity

Answer 2

In Texas you need working lights, sorry I am not from Britain.