Has the gear shifting in Subject 3 been canceled?
2 Answers
Subject 3 examination has not canceled the gear shifting, but the fixed voice prompts are no longer provided. Candidates are required to perform gear shifting operations based on the situation, and this series of operations is still mandatory and included in the scoring. Below are the test techniques for gear shifting in Subject 3: 1. Conditions for shifting gears: When shifting gears, the clutch must be fully depressed to shift, and the speed must meet the requirements of the corresponding gear. For example, shifting from first gear to second gear requires first fully depressing the clutch, then slightly accelerating to increase the speed to 10km/h—20km/h before shifting; 2. Gradual upshifting: When upshifting, do it gradually, while downshifting can be done directly. During gear shifting operations, only gradual upshifting is allowed, and skipping gears is prohibited; 3. Look straight ahead when shifting gears: Do not look at the gear lever. Many candidates tend to naturally look down at the gear lever during practice, which is not allowed during the examination and will be marked as a failure; 4. Shift gears correctly and quickly: Gear shifting must be done swiftly and accurately. Once the operation command is given, perform the operation quickly without any pauses, otherwise, the electronic examiner may misjudge.
This question is quite practical, as I often help students prepare for the Category 3 driving test and am very familiar with the changes in content. The gear shifting (acceleration and deceleration) part of the test has not been canceled; it’s just that the exam format has been adjusted in some areas. Under the new regulations, the focus has shifted more toward practical driving skills, such as smoothly shifting gears on urban roads and avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration that could compromise safety. The test still requires demonstrating gear-shifting operations, but the evaluation criteria may have been simplified, placing more emphasis on smooth operation and situational awareness. Students must still master gear control in manual transmission vehicles, as it’s a fundamental skill for obtaining a driver’s license. Some people mistakenly believe it’s been canceled because automated testing equipment has reduced certain detailed requirements, but I advise test-takers not to take it lightly—more practice is key to passing confidently. During regular training, find an open area to repeatedly practice gear shifting to develop a good feel for it.
