
There are a total of 6 instances where turn signals are required in Subject 2: 1. When starting the vehicle, turn on the left turn signal. 2. When starting on a slope, turn on the left turn signal. 3. During parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal when the vehicle passes the parking space and stops 30 cm from the curb, preparing to reverse. 4. Before shifting into reverse gear during parallel parking, turn on the left turn signal because the steering wheel will be turned fully to the right, causing the front of the vehicle to shift left. 5. Before exiting the parking space during parallel parking, shift into drive and turn on the left turn signal, turning it off promptly after exiting. 6. When entering a right-angle turn area, turn on the left turn signal and turn it off promptly after completing the turn. Penalties for incorrect use of turn signals are as follows: - Failing to use or incorrectly using turn signals before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking results in a 10-point deduction. - Turning the steering wheel within less than 3 seconds of activating the turn signal before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking results in a 10-point deduction. The full score for Subject 2 is 100 points, with evaluation criteria including fail, 20-point deduction, 10-point deduction, and 5-point deduction. The test is passed under the following conditions: ① For large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium passenger vehicles, and large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required. ② For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. For small vehicles (C1, C2), the test includes five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, slope parking and starting (canceled for C2), right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves). Some regions also include a sixth item: highway toll card collection. For large vehicles (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2), the test includes: stake test, slope parking and starting, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turns, narrow gate crossing, continuous obstacle crossing, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turns, and simulations for highways, continuous sharp mountain curves, tunnels, rain (fog) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.

I just took my students to practice for the Category 2 driving test. The main sections where turn signals are required are before parallel parking and before making a 90-degree turn. When preparing to enter a parking spot during parallel parking, you must turn on the right turn signal in advance to indicate your intention to turn right into the parking space. The signal must remain on until the parking maneuver is completed. For the 90-degree turn, you should signal according to the direction of the turn—left signal for a left turn and right signal for a right turn—ensuring the signal is on before initiating the turn, otherwise the examiner may penalize you for the mistake. Additionally, some test centers require you to use the turn signal before starting on an incline if you need to adjust your direction, but this depends on specific test requirements. During regular practice, I advise my students to develop the habit of waiting a few seconds after signaling before starting the maneuver to avoid rushing and forgetting, as failing to signal results in an automatic fail (100 points deducted), which has a significant impact. Overall, using turn signals is not just a test rule but also simulates safe driving behavior in real-life situations.

I passed the second driving test, and what impressed me the most were the two spots where turn signals were required: before starting parallel parking and before making a 90-degree turn. During parallel parking, my instructor emphasized that I should turn on the right turn signal when approaching the parking space and keep it on while reversing in—otherwise, the test would be failed. For the 90-degree turn, it's more flexible: use the right signal before a right turn and the left signal before a left turn. The key is to signal early, activating it before entering the test zone. On the test day, I was so nervous that I almost forgot to signal, but luckily, I corrected it in time without penalty. During practice, it's crucial to simulate this action repeatedly until it becomes second nature—waiting 2-3 seconds after the signal to confirm the direction change satisfies the examiner. In short, these steps may seem simple but are critical: wrong or missing signals lead to immediate failure, so focus on these details during practice.

A friend recently asked me about the turn signal rules for the Subject 2 driving test, mainly concerning turning on the right signal when entering parallel parking and the corresponding direction signal before a right-angle turn. Before starting parallel parking, turn on the right turn signal to indicate the intention to enter the parking space without hesitation. For a right-angle turn, such as a right turn, signal right and wait briefly before turning the wheel to demonstrate control. Practice the route several times before the test to memorize these points and avoid deductions. Using turn signals is a basic rule that's easily overlooked.

When taking the driving test (Subject 2) before, the key points for using turn signals were during parallel parking and right-angle turns. I remember that before parallel parking, you must turn on the right turn signal to enter the parking space, and the signal must remain on until the parking is completed; for right-angle turns, you also need to signal according to the direction. That time, I was in such a hurry that I moved without the signal on and got points deducted—a lesson learned the hard way. I suggest current test-takers practice these sections more to ensure familiarity with the positions and timing, and develop standard habits to pass the test in one go.


