How far in advance should I schedule the Subject 3 driving test?
2 Answers
You should schedule the Subject 3 driving test five to ten days in advance. Subject 3 is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment, which refers to the road driving skills and safety-conscious driving knowledge test. The road driving skills test generally includes: vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning at intersections, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and night driving. The test content varies for different types of vehicles. The safety-conscious driving knowledge test generally includes: safety-conscious driving operation requirements, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, and post-accident handling knowledge.
Scheduling for Subject 3 is definitely not a last-minute decision—I've learned this well from years working in driver training. You need to start planning at least a week in advance; most students here submit their applications 7-10 days before the test date. Pay special attention to the quota allocation pattern: the first week of each month is the most competitive, so it's best to avoid this peak period. The system typically updates the quota pool on Wednesdays, so it's ideal to log into the Traffic Management 12123 app by Tuesday evening to secure a spot. During winter/summer vacation student rushes, you'll need to schedule half a month earlier—last time, a student who waited until just days before the test had to take it in another district, costing an extra 200 yuan in travel fees. After submitting your application, don't just wait passively; check the status the next day so you can reschedule promptly if approval fails. Also, confirm with your instructor during practice sessions whether your file has missing materials to avoid unnecessary delays during pre-approval.
