Is it necessary to use turn signals when reversing into or exiting the parking space in Subject 2?
3 Answers
When reversing into or exiting the parking space in Subject 2, it is not necessary to use turn signals. There are a total of 6 instances in Subject 2 where turn signals are required, which are: When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal; When starting on the slope, turn on the left turn signal; When parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal as the vehicle passes the side parking space and prepares to reverse at a distance of 30 cm from the side line; Before shifting into reverse gear during parallel parking, turn on the left turn signal because the steering wheel will be turned fully to the right during reversing, causing the front of the vehicle to shift left; Before exiting the parallel parking space, shift into drive gear and turn on the left turn signal, then turn it off promptly after exiting; When entering the area for a right-angle turn, turn on the left turn signal and turn it off promptly after completing the turn. Penalties for incorrect use of turn signals are as follows: Failing to use or incorrectly using turn signals before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will result in a deduction of 10 points. Turning the steering wheel within less than 3 seconds after turning on the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking will result in a deduction of 10 points. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with assessment criteria set for disqualification, deductions of 20 points, 10 points, or 5 points. The test is considered passed under the following conditions: ① For applicants of large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, or large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; ② For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. The test items for small vehicles C1 and C2 include reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, slope parking and starting (canceled for C2), right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves) as the five mandatory items (some regions include a sixth item, high-speed card collection). The test items for large vehicles A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 include stake test, slope parking and starting, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turns, limited-width gate crossing, continuous obstacle crossing, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turns, as well as simulated highway driving, continuous sharp mountain road turns, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
I took the subject 2 driving test once, and from personal experience, I can tell you that you must turn on the left turn signal when exiting the reverse parking. The test rules are clear: you must activate the left turn signal before exiting the parking space to simulate the action of turning on the actual road. Otherwise, the system will deduct 10 points directly, and if your score is insufficient, you’ll fail. During my practice sessions, the driving school instructor always emphasized checking the rearview mirror for safety before exiting, then gently flicking the turn signal lever with your left hand, waiting for the light to stay on for 3 seconds before slowly driving out of the parking space. The entire process should be smooth and natural. Developing this habit is crucial—not only does it help you pass the test easily, but it also prevents accidents when driving out of residential areas or parking lots in real life. Many beginners get nervous during the test and forget to signal, leading to unnecessary point deductions. I recommend practicing often to build muscle memory. These small details in the test are designed to cultivate safe driving awareness—don’t take them lightly. Consistently doing the right thing will benefit you for life.
As someone who has trained many driving school students, I believe the left turn signal must be used when exiting the parking space during the Reverse Parking (Subject 2) test. The examination criteria are extremely strict: the left turn signal must be activated when exiting to indicate the vehicle's intention to move left—failing to signal or signaling the wrong direction will result in point deductions. When teaching students, I repeatedly emphasize that exiting the parking space is a critical step—press the brake, activate the signal, then gently turn the steering wheel to exit the space, all in one smooth motion. Developing this habit isn’t just about passing the test; it also reduces potential risks in real-world driving, such as collisions with pedestrians when exiting shopping mall parking lots. Exam deductions often come down to small details, and neglecting to signal could lead to immediate failure. That’s why training should simulate real-world scenarios to make the action automatic. Safety comes first—this small action helps build solid fundamental driving skills.
