Which Gear to Use When Turning?
2 Answers
If there is a vehicle ahead and you are following it to turn, when the speed is slow, the examinee should shift to 1st gear. If the road condition is good and there are no obstacles hindering the turn, the examinee should shift to 2nd gear for the turn. Several points should be noted when turning: pay attention to the traffic light changes, especially when turning right. Clearly see whether the right-turn traffic light is an arrow shape or a round shape. If it is an arrow red light, you need to stop and wait to turn; During the turning process, be sure to yield to pedestrians or vehicles going straight. Remember, right-turning vehicles yield to left-turning vehicles, and turning vehicles yield to vehicles going straight; When slowing down, you must downshift; otherwise, the vehicle will lose power and may stall. Subject 3, also known as the road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviation for the road driving skills and safe civilized driving common sense test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. Precautions for turning at intersections in Subject 3: When turning at intersections in Subject 3, you must pass in one go, but you still need to pay attention to many details. For example, when turning in Subject 3, after slowing down and pressing the clutch, the clutch should be released immediately. When turning, lightly apply the throttle or basically do not press it. When turning in Subject 3, you need to consider the speed and gear. For example, in 2nd gear, the speed should be around 20 km/h. If the clutch is released too quickly, the car may shake severely at best or stall at worst. Therefore, the speed when turning should be below 30 km/h. After completing the turn and entering the straight lane, accelerate as soon as possible and shift to 3rd gear, then prepare for the next test item.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver with over a decade of experience, I've witnessed numerous issues during turns. Generally, it's best to use second or third gear when cornering in a manual car, as lower gears provide more stable control and prevent stalling. I often drive on mountain roads, where I brake early before entering a curve, downshifting to around second gear. This allows the engine to assist with braking and maintain consistent speed. When exiting the turn, I gently accelerate and upshift for a smooth and safe transition. Using higher gears (fourth or above) in turns can cause strong engine drag and increase tire slippage, especially during rainy conditions or sharp bends. Remember to keep your speed between 30-40 km/h and avoid rushing acceleration—safety comes first. Regular practice of these techniques on curved roads will help develop good habits and significantly improve your overall driving stability.
