How many degrees should the steering wheel be turned for a left turn in Subject 3?

[DelOlive]

In Subject 3, the steering wheel should be turned 45 degrees for a left turn. Here are the precautions for a left turn in Subject 3: 1. Listen to the voice prompt: 'Please make a left turn at the intersection ahead,' and prepare for the left turn. Turn your head to look left and right to observe the traffic conditions on the road. 2. Lightly tap the brake: The brake should be tapped lightly, not pressed too hard, as it can easily cause the car to stall, especially at very low speeds. 3. Turn on the left turn signal: Keep the left turn signal on for three seconds. This is the second test point for making a left turn at an intersection. 4. Observe the road conditions: Look left and right to observe the traffic conditions on the road. 5. Turn the steering wheel: After confirming it is safe, when the car reaches a point where the zebra crossing is no longer visible, turn the steering wheel to the left by half a turn.

[VanSadie]

When I was learning to drive for Subject 3, the instructor often said there's no fixed answer for how much to turn the steering wheel—it mainly depends on the curve size and speed. Before turning, you must signal for at least three seconds, then gradually turn the steering wheel left, usually around 90 degrees is enough. But the faster the speed, the smaller the angle; the slower, the more you turn. I remember during my first few practices, I turned too little, and the car drifted off the line, or turned too sharply, making the body tilt unsteadily. The instructor told me to glance at the rearview mirror to ensure I didn’t cross the roadside line or affect others. After more practice, I got the hang of it—the main goal is to complete the turn smoothly without rushing. On the exam day, I was quite nervous, but I took deep breaths, maintained a steady speed, and turned decisively, naturally passing this stage.

[VanMargaret]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, looking back at the left turns in the driving test's third subject, steering wheel control was indeed a skill. Generally, turning between 90 to 135 degrees is the most stable approach, depending on the specific intersection radius and the speed at the time. For wider turns at lower speeds, turn more; for tighter turns at higher speeds, turn less. Additionally, steering should be coordinated with throttle control to avoid excessive speed, which can lead to loss of control. My instructor always emphasized maintaining a centered vehicle posture and keeping eyes fixed on the road ahead without wandering. A common mistake among beginners is turning too sharply or insufficiently, causing them to cross lines—practicing simulated routes can help master this. Now, when teaching friends to drive, I also advise them to start with slow speeds to get a feel for it, not to rigidly memorize angles, but to prioritize safety first.

[StJace]

During instruction, I always remind students not to rely on rigid rules for steering wheel rotation. When making a left turn, first observe traffic and activate the turn signal, wait a few seconds, then turn as needed. For slow-moving vehicles, rotating 90 to 120 degrees may be appropriate, while faster speeds require halving that amount. The key is maintaining smooth, uninterrupted turns to avoid sudden jerks that could damage tires or cause loss of control. Also pay attention to the timing of steering wheel recovery, gradually straightening the vehicle after completing the turn. Practice multiple times to develop a general sense of the range, but don't become fixated on specific numbers.