Is it necessary to brake before making a U-turn in Subject 3?
2 Answers
It is advisable to brake before making a U-turn in Subject 3. Here are some precautions to take during the U-turn: 1. Decelerate before shifting gears: Before making a U-turn, the vehicle is usually moving at a relatively high speed, around 30-40 km/h. Therefore, after completing the light operation, apply the brake first to reduce the speed, then press the clutch to downshift. 2. Check the rearview mirror to ensure surrounding conditions: To ensure a smooth U-turn, always check the rearview mirror to confirm safety behind before proceeding. Then look forward; if there are vehicles going straight, let them pass first. If there are no special circumstances, you can proceed with the U-turn. 3. Avoid turning left too early: Although you need to turn the steering wheel fully to the left for a U-turn, remember not to start turning left too soon. The earlier you turn, the more difficult it becomes to complete the U-turn. So, keep the vehicle moving straight, and when ready to make the U-turn, quickly turn the steering wheel to the left.
When I first started learning to drive, I paid special attention to safety details. Before making a U-turn in Subject 3, I always made sure to brake to control the speed. The U-turn maneuver itself requires low-speed execution. If you turn without slowing down, the high speed could cause the vehicle to skid or deviate from the lane, which would result in point deductions or even failing the test. Recalling the test standards, the instructor always reminded me to reduce the speed to 15-20 km/h to maintain stability, so I usually started lightly braking about 50 meters before the U-turn point to gradually slow down. Besides braking, you also need to turn on the indicator light for at least three seconds while checking both sides for traffic to ensure safety and avoid pedestrians or vehicles suddenly appearing. Developing such habits not only helps pass the test but also makes daily driving safer—don’t overlook these small actions.
