Should You Signal First or Shift Gears First in Subject Two?
3 Answers
When exiting parallel parking, you should shift gears first and then turn on the signal light. Below are the precautions for the Subject Two exam: 1. Seat Belt: Fasten your seat belt immediately after getting into the car. Remember not to buckle it incorrectly or on the passenger side, otherwise the system will directly deem the exam as failed. Do not unfasten the seat belt at any time during the exam. 2. Adjustment Items: After getting into the car, adjust the seat, adjust the mirrors, fasten the seat belt, turn on the left signal light, shift to first gear, and release the handbrake. These six steps are indispensable. Make sure all preparations are completed before starting. 3. Reverse Parking: There is no time limit for reverse parking, but it is important to note that stopping during the process is not allowed. If the wheels remain stationary for 3 seconds, the system will judge it as stopping midway. Therefore, controlling the speed is crucial.
I think this issue is very important, especially during the Subject 2 driving test, as it relates to safety and pass rates. When I first started learning to drive, I made the mistake of shifting gears before turning on the signal and was criticized by the instructor. The standard procedure is to turn on the turn signal first and then shift gears. For example, in the parallel parking exercise, you must first turn on the turn signal to indicate your intention to turn, then slow down and shift to a lower gear as needed. This way, other vehicles and the examiner can detect your intentions in advance, avoiding sudden movements that could cause danger. The same principle applies in real-life driving: first, signal your planned action with the lights, then adjust your speed by shifting gears. Developing this habit during the test can help you pass on the first try and cultivate long-term driving discipline. I remember once during a parallel parking practice, I forgot the sequence and lost points—it was a profound lesson, and since then, I’ve kept this detail firmly in mind.
I have taught many students how to drive, and the key to Subject 2 lies in the safety procedures. I recommend turning on the turn signal before shifting gears. The reasoning is simple: when you need to turn or park, the turn signal is part of the signaling system—it must be activated in advance to allow others to anticipate your actions, and only then should you shift gears based on the vehicle speed. If you shift gears first, you might focus too much on the gear position and neglect the surrounding environment, increasing the risk of accidents. During the test, for maneuvers like reverse parking, it is essential to activate the turn signal before executing the action, as this demonstrates an understanding of the rules. In daily driving, developing this habit can reduce the risk of minor collisions. Beginners should practice the correct rhythm from the very start: signal—observe—shift—execute. This is the way to steadily earn your driver's license.
