Should the turn signal be used for a right-angle turn in Subject 2?
3 Answers
In Subject 2, the turn signal should be used for a right-angle turn. There are a total of 6 instances in Subject 2 where the turn signal is required, which are: When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal; When starting on a slope, turn on the left turn signal; When parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal as the vehicle passes the parking spot and stops 30 cm from the curb, preparing to reverse; Before shifting into reverse gear for parallel parking, turn on the left turn signal because during the reversing process, the steering wheel is turned fully to the right, causing the front of the vehicle to shift left; Before exiting the parking spot during parallel parking, shift into drive gear and turn on the left turn signal, turning it off promptly after exiting; When entering the right-angle turn area, turn on the left turn signal and turn it off promptly after completing the turn. Penalties for incorrect use of the turn signal are as follows: Failing to use or incorrectly using the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking results in a deduction of 10 points. Turning the steering wheel within less than 3 seconds of activating the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking results in a deduction of 10 points. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. The test is considered passed under the following conditions: ① For applicants of large passenger vehicles, tow trucks, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, and large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; ② For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. The test items for small vehicles C1 and C2 include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, slope parking and starting (canceled for C2), right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves) as the five mandatory items (some regions include a sixth item, high-speed card collection). The test items for large vehicles A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 include stake driving, slope parking and starting, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turns, limited-width gate crossing, continuous obstacle crossing, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turns, as well as simulated highway driving, continuous sharp mountain curves, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
For the right-angle turn in Subject 2, it is indeed necessary to use the turn signal. Having driven for many years myself, I know the exam rules are very strict on this. During the test, you must activate the corresponding turn signal a few seconds before entering the right-angle turn—for example, use the left signal for a left turn and the right signal for a right turn—to indicate your turning intention. The examiner will deduct points if you forget to signal, as this reflects basic safety awareness. The same applies in actual driving; failing to signal can easily lead to accidents, especially with other vehicles. During practice, it’s advisable to simulate the process from the starting point: gently turn the steering wheel while activating the signal, and maintain a slow speed for better control. Don’t underestimate this detail—it helps develop good habits and ensures passing the test in one go.
From the perspective of driving school instruction, the subject 2 test requires the use of turn signals during right-angle turns, which is part of the scoring criteria. During training, we emphasize that students operate in advance: check the light switch as soon as they reach the turning point, quickly press the direction to turn on the light, and then stabilize the steering wheel. Many people make mistakes by turning on the signal too late or forgetting to turn it off, resulting in regrettable point deductions. Remember, using turn signals is not just an exam rule but also crucial for daily driving safety, as it alerts vehicles in front and behind. It is recommended to practice several times and use the mirrors to confirm that the light is on, so you won't panic during the test. Also, develop the habit of using turn signals promptly in daily driving.
