
There are three instances where turn signals must be used in Subject 2: exiting parallel parking (left turn signal), making a 90-degree turn (left turn signal), and stopping on an uphill slope (right turn signal). Penalties for incorrect turn signal usage are as follows: Failure to use or incorrect use of turn signals before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking results in a 10-point deduction. Using turn signals for less than 3 seconds 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 set for failure, 20-point deductions, 10-point deductions, and 5-point deductions. Passing standards are as follows: ① For large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized 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. The test items for small vehicles (C1, C2) include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope (canceled for C2), 90-degree turns, and driving through an S-curve (some regions also include a sixth item: highway toll card collection). The test items for large vehicles (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2) include pole test, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, driving over a single-plank bridge, driving through an S-curve, 90-degree turns, passing through a narrow gate, driving over continuous obstacles, driving on bumpy roads, making U-turns on narrow roads, and simulations for highways, continuous sharp mountain turns, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.

During my practice sessions at the driving school, I noticed that turning signals in Subject 2 are mainly required for a few key maneuvers. Starting the vehicle must be accompanied by a left turn signal, as this is the first detail the examiner checks. When exiting a parallel parking spot, a left turn signal is necessary, and it should be turned off promptly after the vehicle has completely left the spot. Before making a 90-degree turn, a turn signal is mandatory—remember to choose either the left or right signal based on the turning direction. For hill starts during the slope parking test, most regions require a left turn signal to prevent collisions if the vehicle rolls back during the start. There’s also a small detail: if the engine stalls during the test, a left turn signal must be reactivated when restarting. Don’t activate the signal too early or too late; it must be on for a full three seconds to meet the standard. Fumbling or forgetting to turn it off are strict point deductions.

Last month, I just took my son to take the Subject 2 driving test, and the light operation is particularly important. Before the test starts, turning on the left turn signal when starting the vehicle is an ironclad rule. When you hear the voice prompt at a right-angle turn, you must turn on the signal—left turn signal for left turns and right turn signal for right turns. After completing parallel parking and preparing to exit, turn the steering wheel fully to the left while simultaneously turning on the left turn signal. The hill start is the most easily forgotten—you must turn on the left turn signal before the car moves, and only turn it off after the car has completely left the slope. I’ve seen too many test-takers fail because they forgot to signal. It’s advisable to develop the habit of 'hands faster than lights' during practice—better to signal early than to miss it altogether.

As a driving test instructor, there are three key points to remember for turning signals in Subject 2: You must turn on the left signal when starting; forgetting to signal once the vehicle moves means an immediate fail. When exiting parallel parking, the left turn signal must be activated. For right-angle turns, signal according to the direction of the turn—left signal for left turns, right signal for right turns. Additionally, some regions require the left signal to be turned on in advance when starting on a slope, depending on local test regulations. The crucial aspect of signal operation is consistency: maintain the signal for at least three seconds before turning, and turn it off immediately once the vehicle is straight—don't wait for the system to prompt you.

During my driving test for Subject 2, the instructor repeatedly emphasized four key moments for using turn signals: first, the left turn signal when starting; second, the left signal when exiting after parallel parking; third, signaling in advance for a sharp turn; and fourth, the mandatory left turn signal before starting on a slope. Note that for sharp turns, it's situational—left turn requires left signal, while right turn demands right signal, which is particularly easy to mix up. Signal decisively, operating immediately upon hearing the voice command. Mock tests revealed that the most commonly missed signal is the one for starting on a slope. It's recommended not to shift out of gear after stopping on the slope; instead, directly use your left hand to turn on the signal before starting.

Helped a friend organize the key points for the lighting in Subject 2 of the driving test. Remember these and you'll be good to go. When starting the vehicle, you must absolutely turn on the left turn signal; failing to do so will result in an immediate 100-point deduction. When exiting parallel parking and turning the steering wheel to the left, simultaneously turn on the left turn signal. For a right-angle turn, activate the corresponding turn signal in advance. When starting on a slope, you must turn on the left turn signal beforehand. Special emphasis on the turn signals for right-angle turns—many beginners often mix them up: turn left, use the left turn signal; turn right, use the right turn signal. All lighting operations must last for more than three seconds. It's safer to operate the signals without letting go of the steering wheel—unlike how I used to use my knee to steer while switching hands to operate the turn signals.


