Should You Brake When Making a U-Turn in Subject Three?
2 Answers
You can brake when making a U-turn. The method for making a U-turn is as follows: 1. Slow down first, then shift gears. Before making a U-turn, the car usually travels relatively fast, around 30-40 km/h. So after completing the light operation, first apply the brake to reduce the speed, then press the clutch and downshift. 2. Check the rearview mirror to ensure there are no surrounding hazards. To ensure a smooth U-turn, always check the rearview mirror to confirm it's safe behind before proceeding. Then look forward; if there are vehicles going straight, let them pass first. 3. Be careful not to steer left too early. Although making a U-turn requires turning the steering wheel fully to the left, remember not to steer left prematurely. The earlier you turn the wheel, the harder it becomes to complete the U-turn. So keep the vehicle moving straight, and only quickly turn the steering wheel to the left when preparing to make the U-turn.
As a novice who just passed the third driving test, let me talk about braking during U-turns. I remember during practice, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must slow down before making a U-turn, reducing the speed to around 15-20 km/h. At this point, gently applying the brakes is essential—don’t press too hard, or you might stall or jerk the car. Especially with a manual transmission, you need to coordinate the clutch and throttle smoothly, while with an automatic, it’s simpler—just lightly tap the brakes. During the test, the examiner pays the most attention to smoothness. If you enter the turn too fast, the car might lose control or even scrape the curb, affecting your performance score. Another common mistake is forgetting to check blind spots. Slowing down while checking the mirrors can help avoid errors. Practicing this maneuver often helps build good habits and ensures passing the test in one go. Now, whenever I make a U-turn, braking comes naturally—it’s comfortable and safe.
