Should You Signal or Brake First When Turning in Subject 3?
3 Answers
When turning in Subject 3, you should signal first and then brake. Signaling first is mandatory because traffic laws require the use of turn signals when turning, and you must activate the turn signal at least 50 meters before the intersection to alert vehicles behind you. Therefore, you should signal before slowing down. Additional information about Subject 3 is as follows: 1. Test Content: For large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and small automatic transmission cars for the disabled, the test includes preparation before starting, simulated nighttime lighting test, starting, driving straight, shifting gears, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming traffic, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. The test content for other permitted vehicle types is determined by the provincial traffic management authorities of the public security department. 2. Large Vehicles: For large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, and large trucks, provincial traffic management authorities of the public security department should add complex road driving test content, such as mountainous areas, tunnels, and steep slopes, based on actual conditions.
Back when I was taking the third driving test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the turning sequence must not be messed up. I remember during the exam at an intersection, I instinctively wanted to slow down and lightly tapped the brakes, only for the examiner to remind me that I hadn’t turned on the indicator—almost costing me points and failing. Later, I learned the proper procedure: first, observe the road conditions and rear traffic in advance, then activate the turn signal for at least three seconds to clearly indicate your intention, giving others enough time to react. Only after signaling clearly should you gently apply the brakes to adjust to a safe speed. Complete the turn smoothly before turning off the indicator. Braking before signaling could catch the following driver off guard, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The third test heavily scores these sequential details, emphasizing safety foresight. Once you develop the habit, daily driving becomes smoother—unlike my early days of fumbling through the wrong steps.
Having driven for many years, I've realized that the core of safe driving lies in predictability, and turning is a perfect example. Generally speaking, signaling first is crucial—it's like telling other road users 'I'm about to turn,' serving as both communication and warning. Then, brake as needed to control speed and ensure a smooth, steady turn. Reversing this sequence, such as braking before signaling, can catch drivers behind off guard and increase collision risks. This is especially critical during the driving test (Subject 3), where examiners closely monitor such sequence errors as they reflect a lack of fundamental safety awareness. Always signal early, observe, then brake to adjust—don’t let bad habits compromise road safety.
