Are there any changes to the Subject 3 driving test?
2 Answers
New assessment content 1 - Straight-line driving is one of the routine test items in Subject 3, and it is already one of the most challenging parts of the Subject 3 test. The updated assessment standards now require that the lateral deviation during straight-line driving must not exceed 50 centimeters. Aspiring drivers who struggle with steering control need to be extra careful! New assessment content 2 - Gear shifting is a key evaluation item in Subject 3 and has been a headache for many trainees. After the implementation of the 123rd regulation, the Subject 3 test is divided into two parts. The first part is the road driving skills test, which has added three new test items: gear shifting operations, left turns at intersections, and right turns at intersections. Additionally, for medium and large passenger and cargo vehicles, provincial traffic management departments are required to add complex road driving test content such as mountainous areas, tunnels, and steep slopes based on actual conditions. For small cars, no less than 20% of candidates will undergo a nighttime driving test; those who do not take the nighttime test will instead take a simulated nighttime lighting usage test. The second part is the safe and civilized driving knowledge test. This test covers safe driving operation requirements, knowledge of safe driving under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident response procedures. The test consists of 50 questions, presented in formats such as case studies, images, and animations. Question types include true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100 and a passing mark of 90.
There have indeed been some changes to the Subject 3 driving test, which my instructor mentioned during training. The rules now place greater emphasis on safety details, such as mandatory checks for lights and seat belts before starting the vehicle—requirements that weren’t as strict before. The lighting usage section has added scenario simulations, and nighttime tests have become more common. Additionally, the duration for signaling during lane changes has been extended to ensure drivers develop good habits. These adjustments aim to make the test more reflective of real-world driving and prevent unsafe drivers. During practice, it’s crucial to pay attention to rule specifics, ideally with an instructor guiding you through actual test runs on varied road conditions. Although the pass rate has dipped slightly post-adjustments, safety comes first, and these changes significantly benefit future driving skills.
