
Failing to use the turn signal or using it incorrectly will result in a deduction of 10 points each time. The specific regulations are as follows: Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will deduct 10 points. Turning the steering wheel within less than 3 seconds after activating the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will deduct 10 points. There are a total of 6 instances in Subject 2 where the turn signal must be used, which are: Activate the left turn signal when starting the vehicle; Activate the left turn signal when starting on the slope; Activate the right turn signal when pulling over for parallel parking, stopping the vehicle 30 cm from the curb before reversing; Activate the left turn signal before shifting into reverse gear for parallel parking, as the steering wheel will be turned fully to the right during reversing, causing the front of the car to shift left; Before exiting the parking space during parallel parking, shift into drive gear and activate the left turn signal, turning it off promptly after exiting; Activate the left turn signal when entering the right-angle turn area, turning it off promptly after completing the turn. Subject 2 has a perfect score of 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. The test is passed if the following conditions are met: ① For applicants of large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, 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 C1 and C2 license tests include five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, slope parking and starting (C2 has been canceled), right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves) (some regions also include a sixth item, high-speed card collection). The A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 license tests include: pole test, slope parking and starting, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turns, narrow gate crossing, continuous obstacle crossing, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turns, and simulations of highways, continuous sharp mountain curves, tunnels, rain (fog) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.

I'm a seasoned driver with eight years of experience as a driving instructor. Failing to use the turn signal during Subject 2 is indeed a common reason for students to fail, as each maneuver has specific requirements. For example, you must signal left when exiting parallel parking, signal in advance before a right-angle turn, and also signal when exiting reverse parking. Missing the signal once in these situations deducts 10 points. The hill start is where the left turn signal is most easily forgotten, resulting in an immediate 10-point deduction. The most frustrating is not signaling when starting the vehicle, which the system immediately penalizes with 10 points. The strictest rule applies to right-angle turns—under the new regulations, failing to signal results in an automatic test failure. I recommend developing muscle memory during practice by touching the signal lever before turning the steering wheel. Also, some test centers deduct points if the signal lever doesn’t return to its original position, so I suggest gently flicking it three times after each use to confirm it’s reset.

Last week, I accompanied my cousin for her second driving test and just studied the new regulations. The turn signal rules are now extremely detailed: failing to signal during six types of maneuvers—starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, parking, and making a U-turn—will definitely result in point deductions. One trainee forgot to turn on the left signal when starting on a slope and then forgot to turn it off when going downhill, losing 20 points in two instances and failing on the spot. The right-angle turn is the strictest—if you don’t promptly turn on the left signal after entering the maneuver area, it’s an immediate 100-point deduction. The test center safety officer said that turn signals now test not just technical skill but also safety awareness. A handy tip is to hook your finger around the signal lever when operating it, making it harder to forget to reset. Eighty percent of retest candidates have stumbled over minor signal details.

The other day at the driving school, I heard the instructor scold three students to tears, all because of lights. Points deduction for turn signals mainly occurs in three scenarios: first, the signal must be turned on when the vehicle starts moving, missing it results in a 10-point deduction; second, the signal must be on for at least 3 seconds before changing lanes, insufficient time leads to a 10-point deduction; third, the correct turn signal must be used for right-angle turns, and now many test centers directly set it as an automatic fail if missed. Additionally, using the wrong turn signal during overtaking is even worse, as the system will judge it as dangerous driving and result in an immediate zero score. It is recommended to silently count to three seconds before moving the steering wheel every time you signal.

Last year, quite a few people failed the Subject 2 driving test due to turn signal mistakes. The specific rules are: use left turn signal when exiting parallel parking, signal in advance for right-angle turns, use left signal when starting on slopes, and left signal when exiting reverse parking - missing any of these deducts 10 points. A hidden test point is that if a right-angle turn follows curve driving, the signal must be activated before entering the turn. The most commonly overlooked is the starting signal - many people start directly after ignition, which automatically deducts 10 points. It's said some exam vehicles now check signal brightness and angle, so candidates with old lights should consider replacing bulbs beforehand.

During driving practice with students, it was found that turn signal mistakes frequently occur in these situations: forgetting the left turn signal when starting (deduct 10 points), missing the signal during lane change (deduct 10 points), and failing to signal in advance when turning (deduct 10 points). The most critical mistake is missing the exit direction signal during exit operations, such as parallel parking and reversing into a parking space, which will definitely result in point deductions. A useful tip is to glance at the dashboard to confirm the signal light icon is on before turning the steering wheel. When nervous during the test, it is recommended to softly say 'signal' to remind yourself. Some new test centers require the turn signal to be turned off within 15 meters after changing lanes; exceeding this time will also deduct 5 points, a detail that instructors often forget to mention.


