Do You Need to Signal When Starting on a Slope?
2 Answers
The left turn signal should be used. The turn signal is not for your own indication, but to inform other vehicles or pedestrians. Stopping at a designated point on an uphill road and starting on a slope are assessment points in the driver's test, which include two test items: one is stopping at a designated point on an uphill road, and the other is starting and driving on a slope. It is one of the five mandatory test items. Scoring criteria: 1. After the vehicle stops, if the front bumper of the car or the front axle of the motorcycle is not aligned with the pole line, and the deviation exceeds 50 centimeters, it is a failure; 2. After the vehicle stops, if the front bumper of the car or the front axle of the motorcycle is not aligned with the pole line, but the deviation does not exceed 50 centimeters, 10 points are deducted; 3. After the vehicle stops, if the distance between the vehicle body and the road edge line is more than 30 centimeters but less than 50 centimeters, 10 points are deducted; 4. After the vehicle stops, if the distance between the vehicle body and the road edge line exceeds 50 centimeters, it is a failure; 4. Stalling during the process results in a 10-point deduction; 5. Once in gear during startup, failing to leave the original spot within 30 seconds is a failure.
With years of driving experience, I frequently operate on slopes. Turning on the left turn signal when starting is crucial, as it alerts vehicles behind you in advance that you're moving—especially important for manual transmission cars prone to rolling back. Once, on a steep slope without signaling, my car slightly rolled back, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Since then, I've made it a habit. Although automatic transmissions have less rollback risk, using the turn signal reminds following drivers to slow down or maintain distance, preventing rear-end collisions. Poor visibility and slower reactions on slopes make signaling highly practical, even if not mandatory—particularly in urban traffic jams or during rainy, slippery conditions. An extra tip: combine it with the handbrake for double safety during starts; don’t cut corners to avoid trouble.
