Can You Keep the Clutch Pedal Depressed While Waiting at a Traffic Light During Subject 3 Test?
2 Answers
During the Subject 3 test, when stopping at a red light, you can directly press the clutch and brake, then shift to first gear without engaging the handbrake. Here are the relevant details: The Subject 3 road driving skills test includes the following contents: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and small automatic transmission cars for the disabled. The test covers preparation before getting on the vehicle, simulated nighttime lighting test, passing through pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, and nighttime driving. The test content for other license types is determined by the provincial public security traffic management departments. Test distance: large and medium-sized buses require a test distance of no less than 20 kilometers, including no less than 10 kilometers during the day and no less than 5 kilometers at night. Tractors, city buses, and large trucks require a test distance of no less than 10 kilometers, including no less than 5 kilometers during the day and no less than 3 kilometers at night. Small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and small automatic transmission cars for the disabled require a test distance of no less than 3 kilometers, with no less than 20% conducted at night. If no nighttime test is conducted, a simulated nighttime lighting usage test should be performed.
During my practice for the driving test (Subject 3), the instructor specifically emphasized not to keep the clutch pedal depressed while waiting at a red light. Prolonged clutch engagement accelerates wear on the clutch plates, potentially causing the car to shake or move unexpectedly, which would result in immediate point deductions during the exam. Examiners scrutinize details strictly—they require you to press the brake, shift to neutral, and fully release the clutch when stopping. This ensures safety and fuel efficiency. Only when the light turns green should you depress the clutch again to engage gear and start moving. I frequently made this mistake initially, but through consistent practice, I developed the habit and passed the test smoothly. Novices often overlook this detail, but remember: it directly impacts driving stability and vehicle longevity. Simulate this scenario repeatedly, and it’ll soon become second nature.
