Do I need to turn off the turn signal manually during a right-angle turn?
3 Answers
In the Subject 2 driving test, you need to turn off the turn signal manually during a right-angle turn; during normal driving, it will turn off automatically as long as you return the steering wheel in time. Below is relevant information about Subject 2: 1. Overview: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skill test. For small vehicles (C1/C2), the test items include five mandatory components: reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-turns). Some regions also include a sixth item: high-speed toll card collection. 2. Teaching aids: Teaching software: Students can learn traffic regulations through driver simulation test software on mobile or computer devices. Teaching materials: "Safe Driving Starts Here," compiled by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China. Driving schools may provide learning materials uniformly, or students may purchase them at their own expense.
I've been driving for over a decade, and every time I make a 90-degree turn, I always think about the turn signal first. The turn signal should have an automatic shut-off function after the steering wheel returns to center, but in older cars or when malfunctions occur, it might fail, causing the light to keep flashing. Leaving the turn signal on could lead other vehicles to mistakenly think you intend to continue changing lanes, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or side swipes. Once, I forgot to turn off the signal after a 90-degree turn in the rain, and the car behind me almost didn't brake in time. Since then, I've made it a habit to manually check the signal after every turn. Safety comes first—since the steering angle is smaller in 90-degree turns, it's easier to forget, so manually turning it off is the safest approach. Developing this good habit can prevent accidents. Also, make sure to have the steering system checked during regular maintenance to ensure the automatic shut-off works properly. New drivers, in particular, should practice this action more and not rely solely on automatic functions. In short, manually turning off the signal allows you to handle unexpected road situations more calmly.
I always enjoy studying the details of my car while driving, and the issue with turn signals during right-angle turns is worth discussing. Turn signals are designed based on the steering wheel, and the system automatically turns them off after completing a turn. However, during a right-angle turn, the angle might not be large enough, causing the signal to not reset. In such cases, you need to manually switch off the lever to avoid misleading other drivers. Leaving the signal on for too long not only drains a bit of battery but could also attract police attention or result in a ticket. From my experience with multiple cars, I've learned a trick: wait a second or two after turning, and if the signal doesn’t turn off, manually switch it off. Safe driving lies in the details—leaving the turn signal on after a right-angle turn often leads to misjudgment when changing lanes, especially at intersections or sharp turns. Developing the habit of promptly turning off the signal can enhance alertness. I recommend frequently checking the status of indicator lights on the dashboard to ensure everything is normal. From a practical standpoint, small actions can provide significant safety benefits.