Should the turn signal be used for reversing into the garage in Subject 2?
4 Answers
When reversing into or out of the garage in Subject 2, there is no need to use the turn signal. There are a total of 6 situations in Subject 2 where the turn signal is required, which are: When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal; When starting on the 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 edge, 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 car to shift left; Before exiting the parking spot in parallel parking, shift into drive gear and turn on the left turn signal, then turn it off promptly after exiting; When entering the area for a right-angle turn, 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 after turning on 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 passed under the following conditions: ① For applicants of large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, and large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; ② For applicants of other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. The test items for small vehicles C1 and C2 include reversing into the 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 also include a sixth item, high-speed card collection). The test items for large vehicles A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2 include pile 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 highways, continuous sharp mountain curves, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
I just passed the Subject 2 driving test, and turning on the turn signal during reverse parking is a mandatory action—otherwise, the examiner will deduct points, as I personally experienced. The test regulations require using the left turn signal because exiting the parking space involves changing lanes, and failing to signal would mean not indicating the turning intention, which could easily lead to misunderstandings by other vehicles. During practice, my instructor repeatedly emphasized this detail. At first, I kept forgetting, but after several attempts, I got used to it—forming this good habit is crucial. Moreover, signaling isn’t just for the test; it’s also for safety, as it warns pedestrians or approaching vehicles in advance, reducing the risk of collisions. Looking back on my practice sessions, if I didn’t signal, the simulation might mark it as a point deduction, affecting the pass rate. So, practicing more before the test ensures smooth operation.
As someone who has taught many people to obtain their driver's license, I believe that turning on the turn signal during reverse parking is a core requirement of the test. In terms of specific operation, first turn on the left turn signal, then start reversing, because when you need to drive out after parking, turning the signal shows the direction of the vehicle's movement and avoids potential safety hazards. The test scoring criteria clearly state that points will be deducted if the turn signal is not used. I suggest that students make this a habit and practice this action regularly during training. More importantly, the turn signal is not just a test tool; when reversing on real roads, it also protects your safety by alerting vehicles or pedestrians in front and behind. For practice, you can repeatedly perform reverse parking exercises in the community parking lot to familiarize yourself with the timing of turning on the signal, ensuring that the signal is on for at least three seconds before moving the steering wheel.
Having driven for twenty years, turning on the turn signal during the reverse parking in Subject 2 is a standard operation. The exam rules require it, and in actual driving, it's also recommended to signal when reversing out of a parking space to let others know your intentions. However, some beginners might find signaling troublesome, but I believe it becomes natural once you get used to it. The key is to turn on the signal in advance when reverse parking, ensuring clear direction.
