Should You Turn in First Gear or Second Gear When Driving?
3 Answers
During the driver's license test, you must turn in second gear. Below are the relevant details: 1. Driving your own vehicle: If you are driving your own vehicle, there is no strict rule about which gear to use for turning. However, ensure your speed does not exceed 40 mph, and always follow traffic rules (turning at high speeds can easily lead to accidents). 2. Precautions when turning: Before turning, release the accelerator pedal and place your foot on the brake pedal to control the speed (if you feel the car is about to stall, press the clutch without shifting gears first; wait until after the turn to shift to the appropriate gear). If you are turning in fifth, fourth, or third gear, it is acceptable as long as you control the speed and avoid stalling the engine.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, the instructor always emphasized using first gear for turns, saying that first gear provides low speed and high torque, making the car more stable and easier to control, especially in urban corners or parking lots. The speed is as low as 5-10 km/h, with high engine RPM but no stalling, making it beginner-friendly. I once tried turning in second gear, but the RPM was too low, causing the car to shake violently and nearly roll backward, almost causing an accident. Since then, I've made it a habit to always use first gear for low-speed turns—slowing down before the turn, shifting gears in advance, and using a bit of clutch semi-engagement to control the speed. After the turn, I gently stabilize the throttle and accelerate smoothly. The key is safety and comfort—don’t rush it. The driving experience will feel smoother, and after a few practice runs, you’ll get the hang of it.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I recommend using second gear for turns in daily driving, especially at traffic light intersections or wide-angle curves. When the speed is between 20-30 km/h, the engine RPM in second gear stays between 2000-3000, providing just the right power for smooth and fuel-efficient driving without any jerking. Unless it's an extremely sharp turn like a steep mountain curve where first gear with higher RPM is needed, second gear offers sufficient control without straining the clutch. Always pay attention to speed and distance during turns—don't get distracted by checking gears. Safe driving relies on anticipation. As the old saying goes, 'slow down for turns'—once speed is under control, gear matching becomes much easier.
