Should the left turn signal be activated for hill start?
2 Answers
Yes. This is an examination requirement. The left turn signal must be activated when starting, and another reason is that the next step after a hill start is a left-hand sharp turn. Hill start is one of the assessment points in Subject 2 of the driver's test. Examination requirements: The vehicle must be parked at a fixed position on a slope with a gradient ≥10% and a length ≥30 meters, testing the coordination of steering, braking, and clutch operation. Below are the precautions for Subject 2 of the driving test: 1. Seatbelt: Fasten the seatbelt immediately after getting into the car. Remember not to buckle it incorrectly or to the co-driver's seat, otherwise the system will directly judge the test as failed. Do not unfasten the seatbelt at will during the entire test. 2. Adjustment items: After getting into the car, adjust the seat, adjust the rearview mirror, fasten the seatbelt, activate the left turn signal, engage first gear, and release the handbrake. These six items are indispensable. Make sure all preparations are complete before starting. 3. Reverse parking: There is no time limit for reverse parking, but it should be noted that stopping during the reversing process is not allowed. If the wheels are stationary for 3 seconds, the system will judge it as stopping midway. Therefore, controlling the speed is crucial.
After driving for over a decade, I've learned that whether to use the left turn signal when starting on a slope depends on the situation. For example, during the hill start test in driving exams, if you're simply stopping vertically on the slope and starting straight without changing direction, you usually don't need to signal. However, if you're parked on the roadside and need to merge left into the main lane, using the left turn signal is absolutely necessary to alert vehicles behind you that you're moving, thus avoiding rear-end collisions. Once, I forgot to signal when starting on a slope in the city, and a car behind had to brake hard, nearly causing an accident—a lesson well learned. Safety first: always signal when there's any possibility of changing direction. Making this a habit in daily driving can significantly reduce risks. Hill starts also involve managing the clutch and throttle, which can be distracting, but the turn signal is a crucial safety barrier. Pay extra attention to this during practice drives.
