How many times should the steering wheel be turned in an S-curve?

[DiJohn]

A total of four turns of the steering wheel are required. Here are the details: 1. Introduction to S-curve: The S-curve, also known as curve driving, is relatively less difficult in Subject 2 of the driving test. However, many people fail by crossing the line in the S-curve, mainly due to not selecting the right reference points for steering. 2. Key points to remember: When driving through an S-curve, keep in mind: 'For a left turn, stay to the right, aligning the left reference point with the right line; for a right turn, stay to the left, aligning the right reference point with the left line. If one side is too close, adjust by steering in the opposite direction.' Additionally, pay attention to your speed. If you drive too fast, it will be difficult to observe and adjust in time, so always maintain a slow and steady speed.

[SanCayden]

Yesterday, I accompanied my wife practicing the second subject of the driving test, and she kept obsessing over how many turns of the steering wheel were needed for the S-curve. In reality, there's no fixed number! The key is to control the rhythm: when entering the curve, slowly turn the wheel half a turn, and straighten it when you feel the front of the car aligns with the line; for the second curve, turn another half a turn immediately after the car hood passes the sideline, and straighten the wheel as soon as the car body aligns. Back when I took the test, the instructor made me memorize reference points, but once you get the hang of it, you rely on the feel of the car—like when passing on narrow roads in our neighborhood, just slight adjustments of the steering wheel three or four times will do. The crucial part is to turn the wheel gently with your wrists, like rowing a boat, as rigidly memorizing the number of turns can easily lead to crossing the line.

[DiHarper]

During my driving test, I was most afraid of the S-curve. When I asked the instructor how many turns to make, he snapped back, ‘What, do you think you’re turning a faucet?’ Later, I realized the key was to adjust the angle by observing the rearview mirrors. For example, when turning left, watch the right mirror and maintain a 30cm margin, constantly fine-tuning the steering wheel based on the car’s position—maybe turning left 90 degrees, then immediately back 45 degrees, followed by a right turn of 120 degrees. The whole process requires continuous adjustments five or six times, like kneading dough without stopping. Last time, driving a friend’s new car through the hairpin turns in a scenic area, the steering wheel never stopped turning.

[AlexandraLynn]

When teaching kids to practice driving, I noticed that the number of steering wheel turns in an S-curve depends on the speed and the curve's radius. For standard curves at driving schools, it typically requires three key steering actions: a quarter turn when entering the curve, an additional half turn in the middle, and straightening out before exiting. However, encountering sharp turns on actual roads might require quick alternating left and right turns four or five times. I remember once driving a GL8 through a temporary construction site curve, where the steering wheel shook left and right like a dance mat seven or eight times to avoid scraping the wall. The key is to keep the front wheels always aligned with the curve's center.