How Many Turns Is 'Locking the Steering Wheel' in Subject 2?
3 Answers
In Subject 2, locking the steering wheel means turning it one and a half full rotations. For example, if you turn half a rotation to the right, you can return to the center by turning half a rotation in the opposite direction. The advantage of full steering is that it allows you to quickly turn the wheels to the desired position and return them to center just as fast. When turning the steering wheel, your hands should always grip it at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, holding it firmly. This is currently recognized as the safest way to hold the steering wheel. While turning the wheel, if the car is moving, always pay attention to the direction of the car's front end and avoid focusing solely on the steering wheel. It is recommended to have a clear understanding of steering wheel movements in your mind rather than trying to find the feel during actual operation.
In driving school instruction and the Subject 2 test, "turning the steering wheel to the lock" typically means one and a half turns. This refers to turning the wheel fully clockwise or counterclockwise from the center position for one complete rotation plus an additional half turn until it reaches the limit. This is mainly because most small cars have a total steering wheel travel designed around 1080 degrees, so turning to full lock on one side is approximately 540 degrees or 1.5 turns. Through years of driving experience, I've realized that mastering this maneuver precisely is crucial for Subject 2 reverse parking and parallel parking—when practicing, turn the wheel slowly; turning too quickly can easily lead to crossing the line. Remember to familiarize yourself with the steering feel of the test vehicle before the exam. Small details may vary slightly between different car models, but 1.5 turns is a universal reference. Safety first—don't forget to straighten the wheel promptly after turning to avoid excessive tire wear.
I just passed the second driving test not long ago, and turning the steering wheel to full lock is one and a half turns. During the test, I had to turn the wheel to full lock every time I reversed, roughly pulling it one and a half turns to the limit. From my personal experience, turning the wheel to full lock early allows for more flexible turns, but you need to pay attention to the rearview mirror when entering the parking space to prevent the car body from crossing the line. The instructor said that the 1.5-turn design makes the operation simpler and more convenient during the test. I recommend that everyone practice counting the turns clearly during training, and after simulating it a few times, it will become natural—don’t be nervous.
