
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 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.

Failing the driving test (Subject 3) due to light operation issues is such a waste. When the turn signal goes off during parallel parking, you must reactivate it—this detail truly tests driving awareness. The exam evaluates continuous signaling; a dead light means no clear warning for vehicles behind. I've observed many trainees fail simply because they focused solely on alignment and ignored the dashboard. My advice: turn the steering wheel about 30 degrees then straighten with minor adjustments to reduce bounce-back. If reactivating leaves 15 meters remaining, don't rush to turn it off—keeping it illuminated until fully parked is safest. Extra vigilance is crucial for night tests.

Having worked as a driving school instructor for five years, I can confirm that promptly reactivating the turn signal during a roadside stop is an essential skill to teach. The three most common reasons for a sudden turn signal failure are: the steering wheel returning too quickly, mechanical issues with the exam vehicle, or the student accidentally bumping the lever. The key to recovery lies in the timing window—immediately reactivating the signal upon noticing it's off is fully compliant. Pay attention to speed control when reactivating; maintaining around 5 km/h is ideal, allowing room for adjustments. The most dangerous scenario is aggressively turning the wheel to reposition after the signal goes out, which risks scraping the curb. During the test, don't cut corners—it's better to reactivate the signal one extra time than to challenge the scoring system.

Last month, I just accompanied my daughter through Subject 3 of the driving test, and I repeatedly emphasized the details of readjusting the turn signal during the roadside parking. In actual operation, it's quite common for the turn signal to go off, possibly due to vibration causing poor contact. The key is to develop a conditioned reflex: when your right hand is controlling the steering wheel, your left hand should lightly rest near the turn signal lever. As soon as you notice the indicator light going off in your peripheral vision, immediately reactivate it. Never wait for the voice prompt—the system's judgment is faster than your reaction. After readjusting the signal, don’t panic; continue aligning with the roadside line as usual. During practice, you can set a three-second timer on your to remind yourself and cultivate time sensitivity. Developing this habit will also make actual driving safer.


