How to Operate Turns in the Driving Test (Subject 3)?
4 Answers
The steps for making a left turn in Subject 3 are as follows: 1. When you hear "Turn left at the intersection ahead," turn on the left turn signal in advance (you must wait for the signal to be on for 3 seconds before turning left). 2. Observe the traffic conditions behind you on the left, and after ensuring safety, change lanes to the leftmost turning lane (usually the innermost lane in the test). 3. After confirming safety, turn on the left turn signal again, then turn widely at low speed through the intersection. 4. If you encounter a red light, when you hear "Left turn encountering a red light," remember to brake to slow down and shift to a lower gear. 5. When about to stop, press the brake and clutch (many people get nervous and only press the brake, causing the engine to stall), smoothly stop the vehicle, and wait for the red light countdown to end. 6. When the red light countdown reaches about 10 seconds, get ready by turning on the turn signal, pressing the clutch to engage 1st gear, keeping the brake pressed, and when the light turns green, release the handbrake, release the brake, lift the clutch, and accelerate to move. After the speed increases, shift to 2nd gear, and if the surrounding traffic conditions are good, you can turn widely and pass quickly. 7. After completing the turn, enter the straight lane, accelerate quickly to shift to 3rd gear, and prepare for the next test item.
When teaching students at the driving school, I always emphasize that the core of the third subject (turning) is safety observation and signal usage. About 50 meters before turning, you must turn on the turn signal and maintain it for more than 3 seconds to ensure other vehicles see your intention, while slowing down to around 20-30 km/h, as the examiner will check speed control. Then observe the rearview mirror, side mirror, and blind spots, especially for electric vehicles and pedestrians who may suddenly appear, and only turn the steering wheel after confirming it is safe. When turning, be smooth and don’t turn the steering wheel too sharply to avoid vehicle sway—failing the test often happens because the turn signal wasn’t activated early enough. Finally, remember to turn off the signal after completing the turn and accelerate smoothly without speeding. I often remind students to practice simulated routes frequently and familiarize themselves with common test points, such as watching for oncoming traffic during left turns on urban roads and keeping an eye on the bike lane during right turns.
Just passed the driving test's third section, I learned not to panic during turns—preparation is key. Signal at least 3 seconds early before turning, slow down, then quickly check mirrors and blind spots to ensure it's clear before steering. Examiners specifically monitor this observation step. Reducing speed to 20km/h ensures stability, and turning the wheel gradually avoids penalties—I once lost points for hurried steering due to nerves. Left turns require watching traffic lights and pedestrians; right turns demand extra caution for bicycle blind zones. Forgetting to cancel turn signals also costs points. Practicing simulated turns at intersections helps master sight control—examiners favor smooth maneuvers.
I believe safety comes first when making turns, not just technique. Before turning, you must signal and clearly check the mirrors and blind spots to ensure no hazards around—this is crucial for driving safety. Maintain a low speed around 20km/h, steering smoothly without rushing. Neglecting signals or inadequate observation during tests can easily lead to failure. Practicing turning scenarios in designated areas can boost confidence.
