Does mismatched speed and gear in Subject 3 result in point deduction or failure?
4 Answers
Mismatched speed and gear in Subject 3 will result in point deduction. The reason for speed-gear mismatch is that the clutch pedal isn't fully depressed during gear shifting. When shifting to a higher gear, the increased speed isn't detected by the system as a gear change signal, causing it to assume the vehicle remains in the lower gear, which naturally leads to point deduction due to speed mismatch. The key challenges in Subject 3 examination are as follows: 1. Speed-gear mismatch: Errors involving high gear at low speed or low gear at high speed must be avoided during the test. Before shifting gears, ensure the speed is adjusted to match the target gear. 2. Deviation in straight-line driving: Many candidates deliberately reduce speed due to concerns about maintaining a straight path, which is inadvisable. This actually increases the likelihood of trajectory deviation, so maintaining appropriate constant speed is crucial. 3. Parking over 30cm from curb: Subject 3 explicitly requires parking within 30cm of the curb, but this distance proves difficult for many candidates who often park too far from the roadside.
In the driving test subject three, speed and gear mismatch is usually a point deduction rather than an immediate failure. I've seen many students make this mistake during the test, and the examiner typically deducts around 10 points based on the severity of the error. For example, driving at a low speed in a high gear or at a high speed in a low gear is considered an operational mistake. However, if the mismatch occurs multiple times in a row, or if there are severe issues like engine shaking or stalling, it may result in an immediate failure. The key is to familiarize yourself with the appropriate speed range for each gear during practice, such as first gear being suitable for speeds below 15 km/h and second gear around 20 km/h. Driving more laps helps develop a feel for it. During the test, stay calm and shift gears appropriately before going uphill or turning to avoid letting nervousness affect your operation. This mismatch issue is also important in daily driving, as incorrect operations can lead to faster vehicle wear and higher fuel consumption. So, I often remind everyone: start with a low gear and shift up smoothly after stabilizing. Developing good habits not only helps you pass the test but also protects your car.
Speed and gear mismatch in the Subject 3 driving test usually results in point deductions rather than an outright fail, but don’t take it lightly. I’ve had students lose points during the test due to inaccurate gear shifting—the examiner just glances at the scoring sheet, deducts around 10 points, and lets it slide as long as there’s no engine stall or collision risk. However, if it’s too extreme, like racing in first gear on a highway or grinding a high gear at low speed, the examiner will immediately stop you and count it as a fail. The key is to match accurately—each gear has its preferred speed range. Before practice, test your memory: low gears (1st-2nd) for 15-30 km/h, medium gear (3rd) for 30-50 km/h, and high gears (4th-5th) for 50+ km/h. During the test, listen to the engine—if it’s too loud or sluggish, shift promptly. In real driving, proper matching saves fuel and protects the transmission. I’ve personally saved a lot on fuel during long trips by paying attention to gear shifts.
Mismatched speed and gear is a common point deduction in the Subject 3 driving test. Losing around 10 points won't result in failure, but frequent minor mistakes can be risky. As someone who's been through it, I fell into this trap during my test: the examiner just stared at the dashboard and deducted some points for 'unstable operation,' but luckily I didn't fail. My advice for beginners is to first memorize the basic pairings: 1st gear under 10 km/h, 2nd gear 15-25 km/h, 3rd gear 30-40 km/h, and 4th gear 40+ km/h, to avoid high-speed low-gear or vice versa situations. During the test, take it slow when starting at traffic lights, don't rush to shift up, and it'll become a habit. This issue shouldn't be overlooked in daily driving either, as incorrect gear usage can damage the transmission and increase accident risks, especially on slippery rainy roads.
