Can I Drive Slowly During the Subject 3 Test?
4 Answers
No. The Subject 3 test has specific speed requirements. On regular road sections, the speed must not exceed 45 km/h. When the voice prompt "Please perform the gear shifting operation" is heard, the examinee should shift to 2nd gear and sequentially upshift to 5th gear. While in 5th gear, the speed must exceed 40 km/h before sequentially downshifting back to 2nd gear. Shift quickly: When shifting gears, it is crucial to do so swiftly. Avoid looking down during gear shifts, as this can cause the vehicle to deviate and lead to accidents. Avoid skipping gears: When shifting gears, always upshift one gear at a time. Do not skip gears to save time. The same applies when downshifting—always downshift one gear at a time. Skipping gears during shifting can result in discontinuous power delivery from the vehicle.
When coaching students at the driving school, I often remind them that driving too slowly during the Category 3 road test is not a good strategy. The test requires you to drive on actual roads, where driving excessively slow not only violates traffic regulations but also leads to point deductions from the examiner. Moving too slowly may obstruct normal traffic flow, increase rear-end collision risks, or cause operational confusion. In urban sections, maintain a steady speed between 30-50 km/h—don’t deliberately depress the throttle during the exam. Driving below the speed limit might also lead to misjudging gear shifts or hinder acceleration during overtaking maneuvers. Practice frequently checking the speedometer and adapt to smooth acceleration during training. While safety is paramount, compliance with testing standards matters too—appropriate speed boosts confidence. Avoid relying on slowness to evade mistakes; mastering rational control is key.
I remember being particularly nervous about speed issues before taking the driving test (Section 3). I always thought driving slower could avoid mistakes. However, the instructor said that approach could easily lead to failure because the test simulates real driving conditions - going too slow would allow trailing vehicles to approach closely, increasing the risk of scraping. During practice, I was reminded not to drag my feet in speed-limited zones, maintaining around 40km/h being the safest approach. During the actual test, driving too slow would be interpreted by the examiner as lack of proficiency or poor judgment, resulting in point deductions. Later I learned to keep an eye on the speedometer for smooth acceleration/deceleration while adjusting to road conditions. Don't focus solely on slowing down - balanced driving maneuvers demonstrate safety awareness. Practice more on simulated road sections to get accustomed to real traffic flow.
From over a decade of driving experience, speed control is crucial in the Category 3 driving test. Driving too slowly can actually be unsafe. On the test route, you'll be evaluated on whether you adhere to speed limits. Driving below the required speed may trigger penalty points such as disrupting traffic flow or showing hesitant operation. Aim to maintain a speed between 30-50 km/h. During practice, don't always slow down to avoid complex sections, as this may make the examiner perceive you as lacking confidence. Moderate speed enhances driving fluidity when combined with mirror checks and distance control. The core of safety lies in anticipating risks—don't let slow speed create potential conflicts. Practice repeatedly until your body memorizes the speed rhythm.
