Do I need to turn on the turn signal for Subject 2?
2 Answers
There are 6 situations in Subject 2 where you need to use the turn signal: When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal; When starting on the slope, turn on the left turn signal; During parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal when the vehicle passes the side parking spot and stops 30 cm away from the edge, preparing to reverse; Before shifting into reverse gear during parallel parking, turn on the left turn signal because the steering wheel will be turned fully to the right during reversing, causing the front of the car to shift left; Before exiting the parking spot during parallel parking, shift into drive gear and turn on the left turn signal, then turn it off promptly after exiting; When entering the right-angle turn area, turn on the left turn signal and turn it off promptly after completing the turn. Penalties for incorrect use of turn signals are as follows: Failure to use or incorrect use of turn signals before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will result in a 10-point deduction. Turning the steering wheel within 3 seconds of turning on the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will result in a 10-point deduction. Subject 2 is scored out of 100 points, with failing, 20-point, 10-point, and 5-point deduction criteria. The test is passed under the following conditions: ① For large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, and large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; ② For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. The C1 and C2 car test items include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, slope parking and starting (canceled for C2), right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves) as the five mandatory items (some regions have a sixth item: highway card collection). The A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 large vehicle test items include stake test, slope parking and starting, parallel parking, single-plank bridge, curve driving, right-angle turns, passing through a width-limited gate, passing through continuous obstacles, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turns, as well as simulated highways, continuous sharp mountain turns, tunnels, rain (fog) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
As a driving instructor with ten years of experience, I often emphasize the importance of turn signals in the Subject 2 driving test. It is indeed necessary to use turn signals, especially when exiting after completing reverse parking or during the parallel parking exercise, where the left turn signal must be activated. Additionally, when starting to move after stopping on the slope during the hill start exercise, using the turn signal is required. The exam rules strictly enforce this—if you forget to signal, the examiner will deduct 10 points immediately, and it may even result in a failure. I’ve seen many students retake the test due to neglecting this detail. Turn signals are not just a test requirement; they cultivate safe driving habits—using them on real roads alerts following vehicles and prevents collisions. Therefore, practice simulating these scenarios more often during training, check if the lighting system is functioning properly, and develop a subconscious habit of signaling. This will improve your chances of passing the test. Remember, every step in the exam should be executed steadily—don’t rush for quick results.
