Do I need to use turn signals when reversing into the garage in Subject 2?
3 Answers
When reversing into or out of the garage in Subject 2, you do not need to use turn signals. There are a total of 6 situations in Subject 2 where turn signals are required: When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal; When starting on a slope, turn on the left turn signal; When parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal as the vehicle passes the parking spot and stops 30 cm from the curb before reversing; Before shifting into reverse gear for parallel parking, turn on the left turn signal because during the reversing process, the steering wheel is turned fully to the right, causing the front of the vehicle to shift left; Before exiting the parallel parking spot, shift into drive gear and turn on the left turn signal, then turn it off promptly after exiting; When entering the area for a right-angle turn, 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: Failing to use or incorrectly using 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 activating the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will result in a 10-point deduction. Subject 2 has a maximum score of 100 points, with evaluation criteria for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, or deducting 5 points. 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 test items for small vehicles C1 and C2 include reversing into the garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope (canceled for C2), right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-turns) as the five mandatory items (some regions have a sixth item, highway toll card collection). The test items for large vehicles A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 include stake tests, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, crossing a single-plank bridge, curve driving, right-angle turns, passing through a width-restricted gate, passing through continuous obstacles, driving on bumpy roads, making U-turns on narrow roads, as well as simulated highway driving, continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
As someone who just passed the driver's license test, using turn signals is indeed required for the reverse parking in Subject 2. During the exam, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must turn on the left turn signal before starting to reverse, and then use the left turn signal again when exiting the parking space—mainly to alert surrounding vehicles and the exam system's cameras. When I was practicing, I once lost 10 points for forgetting to signal, which was risky since the passing score for Subject 2 is 80. Therefore, it's crucial to develop muscle memory during practice: flip the turn signal lever before shifting gears, wait 3 seconds, and then turn the steering wheel. This isn't just an exam rule—it's also about safety. There are often other practice cars in the driving school area, and failing to signal could lead to collisions. I recommend practicing the turn signal operation repeatedly during mock exams to avoid being tripped up by such details.
Having coached many students for the Subject 2 driving test, I can confirm that turning on the indicator light is a mandatory requirement for the reverse parking exercise. You must activate the left turn signal when starting to reverse, and again when exiting the parking space (some test centers may require a right turn signal—follow your instructor's guidance). Failing to signal once deducts 10 points, and with only five exercises in Subject 2, accumulating 20 points means failing the test. Some students consider the turn signal unnecessary, but it actually helps examiners assess whether you're following procedures correctly. Additionally, if the turn signal turns off the moment your vehicle exits the parking space, you must reactivate it immediately, or it will count as an error. During practice, you can memorize the turn signal steps with a rhyme, such as 'signal first, mirrors next, then steer,' to build muscle memory for a smooth test performance.
