Should the left turn signal be used when starting on a slope?
4 Answers
When starting again after stopping on an uphill slope, the left turn signal should be used. Below is the relevant introduction: Subject 2: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviation for the field driving skill test subject. The C1 test items include five compulsory items: reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving on a curve (commonly known as the S-curve) (some regions also have a sixth item: high-speed card collection). The C2 test items include four compulsory items: reverse parking, parallel parking, turning at a right angle, and driving on a curve (commonly known as the S-curve). Passing standard: The full score is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points.
Whether to use the left turn signal when starting on a slope depends on the specific situation. If you need to turn left or merge left after starting, you must activate the left turn signal in advance—it's like communicating with drivers behind you using your lights. However, if you're going straight, regulations don't require using the signal. That said, in my daily driving experience, using the turn signal during slope starts is indeed safer because vehicles are prone to rolling back on slopes; activating the signal early alerts the car behind you that you're about to move, ensuring they maintain a safe distance. During driving tests, it's different: the slope start in Subject 2 mandates the use of the left turn signal—failing to do so results in immediate point deductions, so it's essential to develop this muscle memory during practice. Ultimately, turn signals are communication tools; using them correctly can prevent many accidents. The key is understanding the logic behind signaling.
According to traffic regulations, whether to use the left turn signal when starting on a slope depends mainly on the next maneuver. It's mandatory to signal when preparing to turn left or change lanes to the left, as clearly stipulated. If starting straight ahead from a stationary position, no signal is required. However, based on my driving experience, I habitually engage the left turn signal for two to three seconds before starting on steep slopes or in heavy traffic areas. This helps trailing drivers better understand my intentions, especially during nighttime or rainy conditions with poor visibility, effectively reducing rear-end collision risks. Another critical point in actual slope operations: first engage the parking brake to prevent rollback, activate the turn signal, confirm safety, then slowly release the clutch while applying throttle—mastering this sequence prevents fumbling during execution.
During hill start practice at driving school, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the left turn signal must be activated—it's a mandatory assessment point. However, real-world driving prioritizes practicality: if there are no vehicles behind you, starting straight without signaling isn't a major issue. But whenever there's traffic behind, using the left turn signal is absolutely a wise choice, as hill starts are slower than flat-road starts and prone to rolling back. Activating the signal early serves as a heads-up to trailing drivers, much like raising a hand to signal. I learned this the hard way when I first started driving—once, I began a hill start without signaling, and the car behind assumed I was stationary and closed the gap. As I released the clutch too quickly and rolled back, we nearly collided. Since then, I've developed a habit: whether on flat roads or hills, I instinctively check the rearview mirror and signal every time I start moving.
