How Long Should the Turn Signal Be On in Subject Three?
4 Answers
In the Subject Three driving test, the turn signal must be activated for more than 3 seconds to be considered valid. Below is relevant information about Subject Three: 1. Road Driving Skills Test: includes preparation before driving, simulated light test, starting, driving straight, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. 2. Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test: covers requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge.
When teaching driving, I always emphasize that the turn signal must be activated for a sufficient duration during the Subject 3 test. The exam rules typically require signaling at least three seconds in advance. Why three seconds? Because it gives following vehicles enough reaction time to avoid sudden braking or rear-end collisions. Remember to activate the signal before changing lanes or turning, count to two, and then steer—developing this habit is key to safe driving. Many students fail the test by overlooking this detail, such as signaling too late or forgetting to turn off the signal, which leads to heavy penalties. The same applies on real roads; signaling three seconds early reduces accidents, especially in rainy conditions or on highways where timing is crucial. During practice, use a phone timer to train yourself and ensure strict compliance under the examiner's supervision.
I just passed the driving test (Subject 3) recently, and from my personal experience, the turn signal timing is crucial. During the exam, the examiner required that the turn signal must be on for at least three seconds before changing direction. If it's too short, you'll lose points or even fail. During practice, I always counted the seconds, and after forming this habit, I passed easily. This rule exists because three seconds is the average reaction time, allowing pedestrians or other vehicles to anticipate your intentions. You can practice lane-changing maneuvers in residential areas to get the timing right. Many test failures occur here, such as turning immediately after signaling, which is very unsafe. In short, remember that three seconds is the standard. Practice a few more times, and it will become natural—safe and effective.
Having driven for many years, I've always followed the three-second rule for turn signals. The driving test (Subject 3) is even stricter—you must signal for a full three seconds before turning or changing lanes, or you'll lose points immediately. The principle is to alert others in advance and reduce sudden accidents. For the test, practice timing it; don't rush and take it slow. Developing this habit is beneficial for everyday driving too. Simply put, three seconds is enough—too long wastes battery, but too short is dangerous.
