Can You Pass the Driving Test Without Using Fifth Gear?
2 Answers
It is possible to pass the driving test without using fifth gear, as shifting into fifth gear can be quite challenging for beginners. Below are the relevant details about the road test (Subject 3): 1. Gear Requirements: After starting, shift up one gear with each press of the accelerator. First gear should not exceed 2000 RPM. Second gear should not exceed 2500 RPM. Third gear should maintain a speed between 20 km/h and 40 km/h. Fourth gear should maintain a speed between 30 km/h and 50 km/h. (Note: Subject 3 allows speeds above 40 km/h only in fifth gear, so fourth gear should be between 30 km/h and 40 km/h.) 2. Test Content: (1) Starting the vehicle (First, adjust the seat and rearview mirror, check if the brakes and accelerator are functioning properly, and ensure the surroundings are safe before starting); (2) Left and right turns and U-turns (Do not move the steering wheel within three seconds of activating the turn signal, and ensure the speed matches the gear); (3) Passing bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and school zones (Speed must not exceed 30 km/h, and check for pedestrians by looking left and right); (4) Gear shifting operations (Complete gear shifting within the specified time and distance); (5) Lane changes and overtaking (Do not move the steering wheel within three seconds of activating the turn signal, and complete the maneuver within the specified time and distance); (6) Straight-line driving (Speed must not fall below 40 km/h, and steering wheel adjustments must not exceed three degrees; complete the straight-line driving within the specified distance); (7) Traffic light compliance (Stop and wait at red lights; if stopping midway, always restart in first gear); (8) Pulling over (Choose an appropriate spot to pull over within the specified distance).
When I took the driving test for Subject 3, I never shifted to fifth gear and still passed smoothly. In our area, the exam mainly focuses on the proficiency of gear shifting operations. The examiner usually requires you to shift to fourth gear on a straight section and drive for a few dozen meters to meet the standard. Actually, the core of the test is about safety awareness—details like checking mirrors, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling before changing lanes. On my test day, I alternated between third and fourth gears the whole time, maintaining around 40 km/h, keeping my operations steady without speeding or crossing lines, and I passed in the end. Of course, test requirements vary by location, so it’s best to ask your instructor in advance about the specific route standards. If your area mandates the use of fifth gear, it could be troublesome.
