Should the Turn Signal Be Reactivated If It Goes Out During the Pullover Parking in Subject Three?
3 Answers
It must be reactivated. Relevant explanations are as follows: Introduction: The right turn signal must not go out before pulling over and parking; it can only be turned off after parking. In the Subject Three examination, after confirming the parking space and before preparing to park, you must first turn on the right turn signal. Failure to do so will result in point deduction. Additional Notes: The road driving skills test for Subject Three generally includes: preparation before getting in the car, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears up and down, changing lanes, pulling over and parking, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor kept a close eye on me. During the pull-over parking maneuver, if the turn signal went off, I had to immediately reactivate it. The Category 3 assessment rules clearly state that if the light signal is interrupted for more than three seconds, it counts as an operational error, resulting in an immediate 100-point deduction and failing the test. Actually, this design is quite reasonable—if you suddenly turn off the turn signal while driving normally, the car behind you wouldn’t be able to predict that you’re about to stop. When teaching beginners, I’ve noticed that the most common issue is turning the steering wheel too aggressively, causing the turn signal to snap back and automatically shut off. So, the key is to turn the wheel gently while keeping an eye on the dashboard with peripheral vision, and quickly reactivate the signal if it goes off. With enough practice, it becomes muscle memory—just don’t take chances by skipping the signal reactivation.
A while ago, I accompanied a relative practicing for the driving test's third subject and noticed many trainees struggled with the turn signal during roadside parking. Hesitation in reactivating the signal is a no-go, especially with older exam vehicles where the turn signal contacts are prone to poor connectivity. The key lies in timeliness: the moment you start turning the steering wheel right, keep a close eye on the dashboard. If the light goes out, reactivating it within 3 seconds is fine. Also, don't treat the signal as a one-time operation; monitor it continuously like a heart rate monitor throughout the process. Make the reactivation as natural as possible—avoid twisting your whole body in tension, as this can lead to veering off course or crossing lines, which is even more dangerous.
