Right, I'm looking for the 'non-advanced' answer to this question, really, well the DSA standard.

Should you indicate around parked cars or not?

Cheers!

I think when I was learning you treat parked cars as part of the road, so therefore no indicating. However I really think it depends on the circumstances, don't really believe in a hard fast rule for everything!

Who would you be indicating to?
What message would you be conveying?
Would your signal affect their driving plan?
Would there be a possibility of causing further confusion?
Would you find it useful if a car you were following indicated around parked cars?

For me;
A following vehicle if there was one.
That I would be continuing along the road, manoeuvring around the obstacle.
No. It's a given that I would be continuing along the road, manoeuvring around any obstacle that doesn't completely block my path.
Yes. For example if there was a junction of driveway to the offside.
No. It's a given that they would be continuing along the road, manoeuvring around any obstacle that doesn't completely block their path. If they were to not do this (i.e. stop, which is the only other option) this would be clear from, errr, the fact they came to a stop.

So in summary, no. I'd use chassis language (road positioning) to make my intentions clear (i.e. I'd move out early, also giving me a better view, giving me the option to move back in before the parked car).

However, (this is the AD forum after all) I would always consider a signal. For example, if there was a vehicle that looked as if it may overtake, I'd signal very early to deter them.

This.

Say there's a faster car or a bike or something behind you and they may overtake as you pull out.
Or if you're driving a 4x4 or a van which would block the view of the road for following vehicles.
In these cases a signal makes a LOT of sense.

That's correct; if you need a simple answer. Although why would a learner not be able to show awareness of a situation like that described by Syncromesh and consider for themselves when a signal would be beneficial? It's not 'advanced', it's simply communicating with other road users. Too easy to get bogged down with 'doing it THE right way'.

So the situation there is if there is a side road and the driver indicates right to go past the traffic, but doesn't go down the side road. Hence why you don't need to indicate when passing parked cars.

Kate, are you looking for DSA or Yes/No answer because you think it'll be more simple, or are you asking on behalf of someone who's preparing for their DSA test?

The second one

I know the advanced stance on it from my local group.

Thats how I understand the rules, from when I passed the test, but that was 12 years ago.

If it benefits another road user then yes, the same as turning left into a minor road, if no-one is about/or would benefit and you are sure, dont indicate.
The act of setting up early also shows hazard perception is good.

Come to think of it, I rarely find the need to do this when driving LGV/PCV let alone cars. Try this test if in doubt; count how many times you have near misses with parked cars because the vehicle ahead didn't indicate. Anything more than zero and I'd suggest it's you and not the driver ahead who is the problem.