Should I Turn on the Turn Signal or Release the Handbrake First When Starting in Subject 3?
4 Answers
When starting in Subject 3, you should turn on the turn signal first and then release the handbrake. Below is relevant knowledge about Subject 3: Subject 3 Examination Content: For large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed cargo trucks, and small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, the examination includes: vehicle preparation, simulated nighttime lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over, driving straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. The examination content for other permitted vehicle types is determined by the provincial traffic management authorities. Examination Content for Large Vehicles: For large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, and large trucks, provincial traffic management authorities should add complex road driving tests such as mountainous areas, tunnels, and steep slopes based on actual conditions.
As someone who recently passed the Level 3 driving test, I clearly remember the instructor repeatedly emphasizing the importance of the starting sequence. During the exam, the first step is to adjust the seat and rearview mirrors, start the engine, then check the mirrors and blind spots before turning on the left turn signal to indicate your intention to start moving—this serves as a clear signal to surrounding vehicles. Only after confirming safety should you release the handbrake and gradually lift the clutch while giving gas to start. Reversing the sequence, such as releasing the handbrake before signaling, might cause the car to move unexpectedly or lead to misinterpretation of your intentions, resulting in point deductions or even failure during the test. Developing this habit is equally crucial in daily driving, helping to avoid rear-end collisions or conflicts—safety starts with details. Practicing simulations during training to familiarize yourself with this process will make Level 3 starts smoother.
When I first started learning to drive, I was quite confused about the starting sequence. My instructor repeatedly emphasized: first turn on the turn signal, then release the handbrake. He said that signaling is a polite way to notify others that you're about to move, giving following vehicles time to react; releasing the brake without prior signaling could lead to dangerous situations if the car rolls unexpectedly. Once during road practice, I messed up the sequence and nearly scraped a nearby car, which gave me quite a scare. Now when driving, I strictly adhere to this principle, and it made my driving test go much smoother. Signaling first makes road interactions more harmonious and also helps develop observational skills—it's a fundamental driving technique. With more practice, beginners will naturally remember it.
After years of driving, I always turn on the indicator before releasing the handbrake when starting. This habit is crucial at intersections or in crowded areas, as signaling first ensures others know my intentions and helps avoid rear-end collisions. During the driving test (Subject 3), reversing this sequence would result in point deductions. The standard procedure is to observe, signal, then release the brake to start - safety always comes first.
