Which Lane to Enter When Making a U-Turn in Driving Test Subject 3?
3 Answers
In the road test of Subject 3, after making a U-turn or left turn, the vehicle should enter the leftmost lane. This avoids frequent overtaking, which could affect the test taker's mindset. Below are the operations and precautions for making a U-turn in Subject 3: Operations for Making a U-Turn in Subject 3: When making a U-turn, steer the wheel smoothly and moderately to avoid turning or returning the wheel too early or too late, which could result in excessive or insufficient turning angles. Using 1st gear makes stalling less likely. During the U-turn, once the clutch is fully engaged, you can release the clutch, accelerator, and brake entirely, focusing all your attention on steering. Precautions for Making a U-Turn in Subject 3: If encountering other vehicles, stop and wait; do not stall. If other vehicles are going straight, you can stop and yield. Safety should always be the top priority.
When teaching someone to drive, I noticed that after making a U-turn in the third subject (Kē Sān), you should enter the leftmost lane—this is a fundamental rule of the test. Why emphasize the left lane? Because on Chinese roads, the left side is typically the slow lane, and occupying this position after a U-turn helps avoid conflicts with through traffic, ensuring safety and smooth flow. During the test, the examiner will closely watch your actions; entering the wrong lane or hesitating will result in point deductions. I remind my students during practice to first signal left, check the rearview mirror and blind spots, and confirm no cars are approaching before turning. After completing the U-turn, naturally move toward the left side without abruptly accelerating, as this could lead to loss of control. The same rule applies in real driving—it helps prevent accidents, such as collisions caused by others failing to slow down. During practice, simulate real road conditions and repeat the maneuver until it becomes second nature. Developing this habit is crucial for post-test driving, as safety should always come first.
I just passed the driving test (Subject 3) recently, so my memory is still fresh. When making a U-turn, I followed the requirement to enter the left lane. On the exam day, the examiner specifically reminded me that I must immediately move to the leftmost lane after completing the U-turn. Entering the middle or right lane might result in a violation. I followed the steps: signaling, checking mirrors, turning the steering wheel smoothly, and making sure the actions were decisive without hesitation. During practice, I often made mistakes—once I entered the right lane and got scolded by the instructor because it would block other vehicles and create unsafe conditions. Now when driving, I still stick to entering the left lane, as it helps maintain smooth traffic flow and reduces confusion. Many people fail the test because of this step, but practicing more will help. The key is to stay relaxed, watch for road signs, and avoid distractions—road conditions change quickly after a U-turn, so preparing to brake in advance can prevent hazards.
