Can You Pass Subject 3 Without Using Fifth Gear?
4 Answers
You can pass Subject 3 without using fifth gear, as shifting into fifth gear is relatively difficult for beginners. Below are relevant details about the Subject 3 road test: Gear requirements: After starting, press the accelerator once and shift up one gear. First gear must not exceed 2000 RPM. Second gear must not exceed 2500 RPM. Third gear should maintain between 20 km/h and 40 km/h. Fourth gear should maintain between 30 km/h and 50 km/h. (Subject 3 allows speeds above 40 km/h only in fifth gear.) Therefore, fourth gear should be kept between 30 and 40 km/h. Test content: Starting the vehicle, left and right turns and U-turns, passing bus stops, crossing pedestrian crosswalks, passing school zones, gear shifting operations, lane changes, overtaking, driving in a straight line, navigating traffic lights, and pulling over to park.
I'm a driving instructor who takes students through the Category 3 test route daily. Whether you can pass without using 5th gear depends on regional standards—our area requires completing a 5th-gear operation at least once. The test route has signage marking the gear-shifting zones; miss them, and you're done. Last time, a male student drove to the finish line only to realize he'd never engaged 5th gear—an instant 100-point deduction. Truth is, 5th gear primarily tests shift smoothness; just maintain 40-50 km/h. Practice coordinated hand-foot movements instead of staring at the dashboard during shifts—examiners hate that. Nervous? Remember: depress the clutch fully before shifting, then ease off the clutch while gently applying throttle. Exam cars have electronic sensors—half-hearted attempts will fail you.
A female student who just passed the third driving test shares her experience. During my test, I basically drove in second gear the whole time, and the examiner didn't say anything. But this was because the test route had a school zone with a speed limit of 30 km/h, leaving no opportunity to use fifth gear. Later, I asked my instructor and learned that as long as the engine speed doesn't exceed 2500 rpm, the system won't flag it as 'prolonged low-gear driving.' However, it's important to note that during the gear-shifting section, you must complete the specified operations as indicated on the electronic screen. On that part of the road, I dutifully shifted to fifth gear, held it for five seconds, and then slowed down to shift back to second gear. My advice is to familiarize yourself with the test route in advance and don't hesitate to accelerate when you reach the sections where speed is required.
Let me be honest as an experienced driver, whether you use 5th gear or not in Subject 3 isn't the key point. The exam focuses on safety awareness and vehicle control. My relative who works as a proctor at the DMV said the system now evaluates details like proper acceleration timing and smooth gear shifting. For instance, during straight-line driving, you should upshift when RPM reaches 2000 - don't be like some drivers who keep revving at 3000 RPM in 3rd gear. Pay special attention when passing schools or bus stops where speed must stay below 30 km/h. To be frank, some new test routes don't have long straight sections where 5th gear is necessary. I recommend scouting the test route beforehand to observe the highest gear used by exam vehicles.
