Do You Need to Signal When Starting on a Slope?
4 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.
When teaching people to drive, I always emphasize this: you must turn on the left turn signal when starting on a slope, as traffic regulations require a warning to vehicles behind. Beginners often overlook this, and the consequences could be the car rolling back and causing an accident, leaving the following vehicle unprepared and triggering a chain reaction. During training, I demonstrate using the handbrake to stabilize the car while turning on the signal, ensuring the actions are smooth and connected. This is not an unnecessary step but a basic safety measure, and it's even required in driving tests. Developing this habit in actual driving can prevent minor collisions, especially at busy intersections or in foggy conditions when visibility is poor. In short, prevention is key—don't wait for a problem to occur before regretting it.
When I was learning to drive, I was quite afraid of hill starts. The instructor said to use the turn signal, and at first, I wondered why it was so important. Later, during a practice session when I didn't use the signal, the car suddenly rolled back half a meter, and the car behind honked frantically, which really woke me up. Now I understand that turning on the left turn signal allows others to prepare in advance, especially in the tense atmosphere on a slope. I recommend that beginners practice this from day one. After a few tries, it becomes natural—safety is no small matter. Related topics also include the use of signals when changing lanes. Starting is similar; don't confuse the operations.
