How long can the clutch be pressed in Subject 3?
2 Answers
In the Subject 3 driving test, it is stipulated that the clutch should not be pressed continuously for more than 10 seconds (5 seconds in some provinces and cities). This means the time spent pressing the clutch before and after shifting gears should not be too long, otherwise it will result in an immediate failure. Especially for those who are used to controlling the vehicle speed with the clutch semi-engaged in Subject 2, this habit must be changed in Subject 3. Key points to note for the Subject 3 test include: 1. Looking down at the gear shift: While it might be acceptable in Subject 2 where only first and reverse gears are used, in Subject 3, unfamiliarity with gear positions may lead to instinctively glancing down. This habit should be overcome during practice. 2. Not fully pressing the clutch: If the clutch is not pressed all the way down, a grating sound of gear collision will be heard during gear shifting, which is very harsh and noticeable. This will result in point deductions during the test and can damage the vehicle if done while driving independently. 3. Skipping gears while upshifting: Upshifting by skipping gears will inevitably lead to a mismatch between speed and gear, known as "low speed at high gear," causing severe vehicle shaking and possibly stalling. Although students are aware they shouldn’t skip gears, they might still upshift incorrectly during driving, such as shifting from 1st to 4th gear instead of 1st to 2nd. Therefore, extra attention is needed during upshifting. 4. Prolonged driving in low gears: The test imposes limits on the distance driven in 1st and 2nd gears—no more than 50 meters in 1st gear and no more than 100 meters in 2nd gear per instance.
During the driving test (Subject 3), you must never press the clutch pedal for more than 15 seconds, otherwise you'll risk point deductions or even immediate failure. This insight comes from accompanying friends to multiple tests: examiners strictly enforce this rule because prolonged clutch engagement keeps the vehicle in a semi-coupled state, which can easily cause stalling or rolling accidents during starts. During the exam, you need to complete operations quickly when starting, shifting gears, or stopping. I recommend practicing with a timer to ensure each clutch press doesn't exceed 10 seconds, developing muscle memory for smooth operation. Developing good driving habits is crucial - it prevents excessive clutch wear and improves fuel efficiency.
