Should Turn Signals Be Used During Curve Driving?
3 Answers
During the driving test, turn signals are not required for curve driving. Precautions for curve driving: When entering an S-curve, pay attention to the position of the front of the car, try to keep the outer front wheel close to the right edge of the curve, and advance in first gear with half-clutch. Do not stop during the advance. During the advance, also observe the left and right rearview mirrors to keep the vehicle moving along the S-curve. For a left turn: drive the vehicle close to the right side. When the left corner of the car aligns with the right edge line, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left while making slight adjustments to keep the left corner and the right edge line aligned. This ensures the vehicle follows the S-curve to the left without crossing or leaving the line. After completing the left turn, prepare for a right turn. For a right turn: when the left corner of the car gradually moves past the right edge line of the left turn, keep the steering wheel steady. When the right vertex of the car's hood touches the left edge line of the right turn, straighten the steering wheel and move forward slowly for a while. When the left 1/3 of the car's hood touches the left edge line of the right turn, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right while making slight adjustments to align the right corner of the car with the left edge line of the right turn. This ensures the vehicle follows the S-curve to the right without crossing or leaving the line. Exiting the curve: when the vehicle exits the S-curve and the front of the car is aligned with the exit, quickly straighten the steering wheel and continue forward to exit the curve driving test area. Introduction to turn signals: Turn signals are important indicator lights that are turned on when a motor vehicle is turning to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians.
When I was taking my driver's license test, the instructor specifically emphasized that the curve driving exercise itself doesn't require using turn signals! But many people stumble on the operations after exiting the curve. For example, after completing an S-curve when you need to change lanes for the next test item, you must immediately activate the turn signal as soon as the steering wheel returns to center. Last year, my cousin failed his test because of this — he forgot to signal when changing lanes after exiting the curve, resulting in an immediate 100-point deduction. Remember, the exercise isn't over until your entire vehicle has crossed the curve line. At that point, check your mirrors to assess the distance, and wait a full three seconds after activating the turn signal before turning the wheel. During practice, develop the habit of glancing at the dashboard with your peripheral vision — the ticking sound of the turn signal makes the perfect metronome.
With 15 years of driving experience and having navigated various mountain roads, honestly, using turn signals during curves is mostly redundant. However, there's one exception: when you encounter an obstacle right after exiting a curve and need to make an emergency evasion. For example, last month on a scenic mountain road, right after an S-curve, I faced an oncoming motorcycle overtaking illegally. I immediately signaled right to borrow the opposite lane for evasion. The key point is that the steering wheel is constantly turning during the curve, and operating the turn signal lever at this moment can be distracting. What truly demands caution is the moment right after exiting the curve—when the car hasn't fully straightened yet—check the rearview mirror in advance to anticipate any approaching vehicles from behind. For beginners, it's advisable to divide turn signal operations into two phases: 'pre-curve preparation' and 'post-curve adjustment.'
