Can I Bring a Mobile Phone into the Subject 3 Exam?

[DerekFitz]

You can bring a mobile phone during the Subject 3 exam, but it is recommended to turn it off to avoid affecting the test. Here are the relevant details for practicing Subject 3: 1. Master the operation of vehicle lights. 2. Be proficient in starting-related operations to avoid issues like stalling, rolling backward, or forgetting to release the handbrake. 3. Maintain a steady steering wheel and proper posture during straight-line driving, keeping your vision focused far ahead. 4. Skillfully perform gear shifting (upshift by listening to the engine sound, downshift by observing speed). 5. Demonstrate proper observation and safety awareness when controlling speed at intersections, crosswalks, and bus stops. 6. Use turn signals when changing lanes, overtaking, making U-turns, or pulling over, and wait at least 3 seconds before turning the steering wheel. 7. Park within 30cm of the curb when pulling over.

[StMadeline]

When I was taking the driving test (Subject 3), my instructor had been emphasizing the phone rule for three days in advance. Phones are absolutely not allowed in the exam vehicle—the test center provides lockers specifically for storing them. Once, I saw a candidate ahead of me whose phone vibrated in their pocket. The monitoring probe flashed a red alarm light, and the examiner immediately failed them for dangerous driving. It’s no joke—even putting it on airplane mode isn’t safe enough. You must hand it to a companion or lock it in a storage locker beforehand. Don’t waste your test chance over such a small thing.

[LaReese]

A friend who used to be a driving test safety officer said they find it most frustrating when candidates hide their phones. Last month, a student muted their phone and hid it in their sock, but when their family called in an emergency, the vibration caused them to instinctively loosen their grip on the steering wheel to reach for their ankle. The examiner immediately hit the auxiliary brake, and despite the candidate's tearful pleas, it was no use. Remember three things: the entire driving test (Subject 3) is under electronic surveillance, with eight cameras covering the test vehicle from all angles; even a phone vibration counts as a driving distraction, and bringing one in will result in an automatic fail. If you really need to make contact, use the public phone in the waiting area.

[VanEmerson]

No electronic devices are allowed during the Driving Test Part 3—this is an ironclad rule. Last year, the test center installed new signal jammers, and even powered-off devices will be detected by the security scanner. Some candidates mistakenly think it's just a standard metal detector, but even smartwatches and fitness bands must be removed in advance. It's recommended to wear metal-free sportswear without zippers on the test day. Valuable items should be handed over to an accompanying person or stored in the supermarket lockers at the station entrance for 5 yuan. Don't take any chances.

[McIsla]

At our driving school, there was a veteran student who passed only on his fourth attempt. The first three failures were all due to minor details. The first time, he forgot to walk around the car for inspection; the second time, he was too nervous and forgot to fasten his seatbelt; the third time, it was because of his phone. He thought turning it off and keeping it in his pocket would be fine, but the system flagged it as electronic device interference during the exam. Here’s a reminder for everyone to pay attention to three key requirements: 1) Deposit your phone in the waiting area before the test; 2) Do not bring electronic car keys into the driver’s seat; 3) During the exam, touching any electronic devices, including the car’s infotainment screen, is prohibited.