
Generally, it takes one to two weeks to practice for Driving Test Subject 3. Below are some important points to note about Driving Test Subject 3: Master the Basic Content: It is essential to master the operation of lights and be proficient in the procedures for starting the vehicle to avoid issues such as stalling, rolling backward, or forgetting to release the handbrake. Master Driving Techniques: Keep the steering wheel steady during straight-line driving. Additionally, be skilled in shifting gears (upshift by listening to the engine sound, downshift by observing the speed). Control the speed appropriately when passing intersections, crosswalks, bus stops, and other areas, and maintain good observation and safety awareness. Master Parking Skills: Understand the use of turn signals for lane changes, overtaking, U-turns, and pulling over. Always wait for at least 3 seconds before turning the steering wheel. Master the skill of pulling over within 30cm of the curb.

I spent about three weeks practicing for Subject 3. Since I had to work on weekdays, I could only go to the driving school for practice on weekends, with each session lasting about two class hours. The instructor had me focus on practicing straight-line driving and pulling over, saying these were the most common areas where people fail. At first, I couldn't get the hang of it at all—I either turned the steering wheel too much or reacted too slowly. Later, I practiced steering wheel movements in front of a mirror every day after work. In the five days leading up to the exam, I attended intensive training sessions and familiarized myself with all three test routes. Personally, I think at least 15 hours of practice is necessary to feel confident, especially for mastering the timing of lane changes and overtaking, which require accumulated real driving experience. On the exam day, I got nervous when it started raining, but thankfully, my extensive practice paid off and I passed smoothly.

As a driving instructor who has trained hundreds of students, I've found that the practice time required for Subject 3 varies from person to person. Young students with quick reflexes usually need about 10-12 sessions before taking the test, while middle-aged and elderly students typically require 15 or more sessions. The key challenge is maintaining stability during straight-line driving, where many students repeatedly encounter problems. I recommend continuous training without breaks to maintain muscle memory. The most interesting student I've encountered was a programmer who created a 3D model of the test route for home simulation practice and passed with full marks after just 8 sessions. However, most people still need solid, practical training, especially now that the test includes a new nighttime lighting simulation component, which requires at least three dedicated practice sessions.

I practiced for the entire 20 days for Subject Three, two hours each day. Since I had never touched a car before, I stalled seven or eight times just starting the engine. The instructor had me focus on practicing gear shifting and observing intersections, spending three sessions just on the shifting action. Later, I realized memorizing the route was particularly important; I had to memorize the locations of bus stops and school zones on each test route. The night before the test, I was so nervous I couldn't sleep and went for an extra two hours of practice. Looking back now, the most crucial part was finding the 30 cm point for pulling over to the curb—it took me until the tenth day to get the feel for it. I recommend beginners to allow at least 15 days of practice time to be safe.

I got my driver's license last winter vacation, with more than a week of intensive training for Subject 3. I arrived at the driving school at 9 a.m. every day, following the instructor to practice the test routes, and used the driving test app in the afternoon to review lighting questions. During practice, I found that the hardest part wasn't the skills but the details, like forgetting to honk the horn or not checking the rearview mirror. The instructor taught me a trick: silently recite the next step after completing each instruction. The last three days were dedicated to handling emergencies, such as how to react when encountering a pedestrian suddenly crossing the road. In total, I practiced for 14 hours and passed the test on the first try. I recommend students opt for intensive training during holidays, as it's much more efficient than fragmented practice.

It took me half a month to prepare for Subject 3 of the driving test. In the first week, I mainly followed the instructor to familiarize myself with the test procedures, focusing on practicing straight-line driving and overtaking lane changes. The instructor said I was gripping the steering wheel too tightly, so I started placing a water bottle on it during practice to improve stability. In the second week, I strengthened my weak areas and realized I often made mistakes in the lighting test, so I wrote all the lighting commands on the back of my hand to memorize them anytime. For the last three days, I went to the simulated test site every day to practice three rounds, getting used to real road conditions. On the test day, it rained, but fortunately, I had specifically practiced driving in the rain before. The whole practice process felt like leveling up in a game—each skill had to be repeatedly practiced to ensure confidence during the test.


