How long can you drive on the dashed line in the Subject 3 test?
3 Answers
In the Subject 3 test, you cannot drive on the dashed line for more than five seconds. During the test, you must not drive on any solid lines; only dashed lines are allowed, but there is a time limit, and it should not be too long. The Subject 3 test consists of two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. Subject 3 Road Driving Skills Test Content: Vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. Subject 3 Safety and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test Content: Requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge. Road Driving Skills Test Notes: During the test, follow the voice prompts for operations. Note that when driving in a straight line, the speed is relatively fast, and the direction can easily deviate, so you should learn to look far ahead and avoid gripping the steering wheel too tightly. Areas where you should brake in advance include straight intersections, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, school zones, left and right turns, U-turns, and meeting oncoming vehicles. After the test, remember to turn off all lights.
Just practiced this item with students a couple of days ago, let me share some hands-on experience. When it comes to touching the dashed line in Subject 3, the examiner mainly focuses on two points: the duration of touching the line and the purpose of the operation. Traffic regulations allow briefly touching dashed lines for lane changes, but the test standards are stricter! I've observed dozens of test-takers - the system alarms if you touch for over 3 seconds. When changing lanes, steer decisively and immediately straighten the wheels after aligning the car. Never hesitate. If you drive along the dashed line for over 5 seconds to avoid potholes? Immediate failure, no exceptions. Remember, dashed lines aren't meant to be used as driving lanes! Except for emergencies, touching the line beyond two car lengths usually means failure. Develop the habit of checking mirrors during practice - decisive lane changes are safest.
When I was taking the driving test for Subject 3, I specifically studied this detail and would like to share my hard-earned lessons. The key to crossing dashed lines lies in necessity: you're allowed to briefly cross them for up to 3 seconds when overtaking or changing lanes, but if your wheels slowly creep along the dashed lines, the examiner will immediately fail you for dangerous driving. Once, a candidate ahead of me spent 7-8 seconds adjusting direction while crossing the dashed lines, and the safety officer immediately hit the brakes. Later, my instructor taught me a trick: signal for 3 seconds before changing lanes, check the distance to the rear vehicle, then quickly turn and return the steering wheel—completing the entire maneuver within 2 seconds is safest. Don't believe those online claims about being able to cross for 10 seconds; exceeding one-third of your vehicle's length is risky! Nowadays, test vehicles are equipped with positioning systems, and line-crossing duration is electronically monitored.
