Should You Turn Off the Turn Signal Before Stopping and Turning Off the Engine in Subject Three?
2 Answers
In Subject Three, it is not necessary to turn off the turn signal before stopping and turning off the engine. Here are the details: 1. Reason: Generally, after the turn signal is activated, if the steering wheel is turned more than half a circle, the turn signal will automatically turn off once the steering wheel is straightened. However, if the turn signal does not automatically turn off after stopping, do not move it further, as this could be considered by strict examiners as improper use of the turn signal before stopping. 2. Tips for Pulling Over: When you hear the instruction to 'pull over,' first determine the stopping position, then activate the right turn signal and turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right. When the middle of the front of the car aligns with the curb, quickly turn the steering wheel more than 180 degrees to the left. When one-third of the front of the car aligns with the curb, straighten the steering wheel. If the car deviates, always keep one-third of the front aligned and make slight adjustments. When the car body is parallel to the curb and 10 to 30 centimeters away, stop the car.
I remember always emphasizing this detail when I was an instructor—before turning off the engine during a roadside stop, you must first turn off the turn signal. This is a critical scoring point in the Subject 3 driving test. Leaving the turn signal on indicates you're still in the process of pulling over. Once the vehicle is properly parked, such as when the wheels are within 30 cm of the line, you must immediately turn off the signal to show the maneuver is complete. The examiner watches the entire process closely. If you turn off the engine without first switching off the signal, you’ll be penalized for an improper signal interruption. The same applies in everyday driving—turning off the signal before shutting down the engine protects the electrical system, preventing battery drain or bulb burnout. I've seen many trainees fail the test due to neglecting this habit. Developing it enhances safety—for example, leaving lights on at night while parked could mislead other drivers. In short, it's a fundamental rule: turn off the signal first, then the engine, ensuring everything meets the standard.
