Can You Shift from 4th Gear Directly to 2nd Gear in Subject 3 Gear Shifting?
2 Answers
In the Subject 3 driving test, you are not allowed to skip gears when shifting up or down. Gear changes must be performed step by step. Therefore, you cannot shift directly from 4th gear to 2nd gear; you must first shift from 4th gear to 3rd gear, and then from 3rd gear to 2nd gear. Additional information: 1. Subject 3 test items: vehicle preparation, nighttime driving, starting, right turn at intersections, U-turns, driving straight through intersections, left turn at intersections, passing bus stops, gear shifting operations, meeting vehicles, overtaking, driving straight, changing lanes, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, and parking by the roadside. 2. Gear shifting: Gear shifting mainly assesses the driver's proficiency in handling vehicle gears. The basic requirements are matching the gear with the speed, performing the action smoothly and fluidly, and not skipping gears. Candidates who make mistakes in this section usually fail to match the speed with the gear, causing the vehicle to lurch forward or jerk, leading to point deductions or failing the test. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the speed matches the gear during the test.
After teaching many students, I often see them wondering if they can directly shift from 4th gear to 2nd gear during the test. According to the standard rules of Subject 3, gear shifting typically requires step-by-step operation, such as downshifting from 4th to 3rd and then to 2nd gear. The purpose is to test your smooth shifting ability and speed matching skills. Although skipping gears directly is feasible in practice, it is highly likely to cause vehicle jerking during the test, and the examiner will deduct points for your unstable control. I recommend paying attention to the speedometer during each practice session: 4th gear is suitable for around 60 km/h. Before downshifting, first reduce the speed to 30-40 km/h and then shift to 3rd gear. Wait until it stabilizes before shifting to 2nd gear. Developing this habit will not only help you pass the test but also protect the transmission from damage. After all, the test focuses on details—don’t take shortcuts with risky maneuvers. Practice seriously a few times, and you’ll be steady.
