Can you stop during gear shifting in Subject 3 if there is a car in front?
2 Answers
During gear shifting in Subject 3, you are not allowed to stop unless under special circumstances. The examiner mainly evaluates three aspects: 1. Starting and stopping: Checking the use of lights and horn before starting (you should honk the horn and turn on the left turn signal), whether the vehicle starts smoothly without jerking or stalling, and also uphill starting, mainly to check for stalling or rolling back. Before stopping, whether the right turn signal is turned on, whether the parking position is appropriate (stopping on curves is strictly prohibited), and whether the stop is smooth. 2. Gear shifting: Mainly assessing the timing of gear shifting, whether there is skipping gears, whether the driving is smooth during the process, and sometimes downhill requires rapid gear shifting (over 100 meters, shifting from first gear to fifth gear, then downshifting from fifth gear to first gear). 3. Driving condition and adaptability: Meeting oncoming vehicles, and how to avoid pedestrians and obstacles.
When I was taking the Driving Test Part 3, I also often worried about what to do if there was a car in front during the gear shifting exercise. As someone who has been driving for many years, I can tell you that it's completely acceptable to stop, and safety must always come first. The gear shifting exercise mainly tests your ability to switch gears, but if the car in front suddenly stops or slows down, forcing yourself to continue poses too much risk and could even lead to failing the test. When stopping, choose a wide and flat section of the road, use your turn signal, check the rearview mirror, and ensure you don’t disrupt traffic behind you. After stopping, don’t turn off the engine—wait for the car ahead to move before safely starting again and continuing the gear shifting exercise. This process won’t result in severe point deductions during the test; the key is demonstrating safe driving habits. I recommend practicing similar scenarios regularly, such as training gear shifts on roads with traffic, to develop the ability to stop promptly. This way, you’ll stay calm during the test and pass more easily. Safety should always be the top priority—don’t let rushing compromise your judgment.
