How long does it take to prepare for the Subject 3 driving test?

[LePaislee]

You can take the Subject 3 driving test after just 3 days of practice. Here are the reasons why the preparation time for Subject 3 is relatively short: 1. Basic driving skills are already learned during Subject 2 training: Except for not using the accelerator, all other driving techniques are covered in Subject 2. This means passing Subject 2 essentially indicates you can already drive. Since so much time and effort were spent on Subject 2, instructors are reluctant to devote excessive time to Subject 3. 2. High fuel consumption for beginners: Vehicles driven at low speeds consume more fuel than those moving faster and steadily, and frequent gear changes further increase fuel consumption. 3. Beginners are prone to running red lights: During Subject 3 training, the instructor can only monitor from the passenger seat. Even on remote practice routes, there are still many traffic lights. Beginners often focus too much on completing tasks like 3+4 gear shifting, straight-line driving, and lane changing, neglecting traffic lights and sometimes even scraping nearby vehicles. 4. Frequent gear changes damage the transmission: Especially for manual transmission cars, the 3+4 gear shifting exercise requires frequent gear changes. Beginners often use excessive force when shifting, which can significantly harm the transmission. For example, during my Subject 3 training, I sometimes shifted gears forcefully to ensure success.

[Jeff]

It depends on your personal situation. When I was preparing for the third driving test last year, I spent every day at the driving school. Our school requires at least 24 logged training hours before you can book the test, but many people don’t get enough practice. I practiced two hours daily for two weeks straight before daring to book the test, and even then, I had to wait for the instructor to assign a test slot. The key is to master straight-line driving, lane changing, and pulling over—otherwise, nerves can make you fail. I suggest following your instructor’s pace; around 20-30 hours of practice should be enough. Also, try to get familiar with the test car beforehand—some students pass right after practicing with it at the test site.

[MacCharles]

The progress of the third driving test mainly depends on three things: training duration, technical stability, and exam scheduling. Typically, you need to complete 24 training hours before you can apply for the test, but some people learn quickly and can finish in just over ten days. My roommate, who just passed, practiced one hour each in the morning and evening every day, and by the ninth day, the instructor said he could apply for the test. However, pay attention to local policies—for example, in our area, it's mandatory to wait at least 10 days after passing the second test before applying for the third. It's recommended to maintain a consistent training rhythm every day; avoid irregular practice, as this helps solidify muscle memory. During the test, pay special attention to light operations and intersection observations, as these are the most common points deducted.

[Hubert]

The reasonable duration for Subject 3 training is typically 2-4 weeks. In my case, I started counting from registration and took the test after only 18 hours of actual driving practice, but this was right after passing Subject 2. Focus on mastering these key challenges: how many turns of the steering wheel when making a U-turn at intersections, how to check mirrors when overtaking, and controlling the distance when parking by the curb. It's best to record videos during practice to review your movements, as it's more intuitive than verbal instructions from the instructor. Remember, the brake feel of the test car differs from the training car, so it's advisable to rent the test car for a couple of practice rounds before the exam.