How long does Subject 3 generally take?
3 Answers
According to regulations, the required training hours for Subjects 1 to 4 are 12-16-24-10 respectively, with Subject 3 requiring 24 hours. Only after completing the mandatory training time can one qualify for the exam. Additional information: 1. Speed and gear mismatch; Errors related to high gear at low speed or low gear at high speed should be noted during the test. Before shifting gears, ensure the speed matches the intended gear, then proceed with the shift. During driving, glance at the speedometer every eight seconds to prevent such errors. 2. Deviation in straight-line driving; Many trainees intentionally slow down due to concerns about maintaining a straight path, which is not advisable. This can actually increase the likelihood of the vehicle deviating from its intended path, so maintaining a reasonable and steady speed is recommended. 3. Parking more than 30cm from the curb; In the Subject 3 test, it is explicitly required that the parking distance from the curb should not exceed 30cm. However, this distance is challenging for many trainees to judge, often resulting in parking too far from the roadside.
The training duration for Subject 3 varies from person to person. I took the C1 license test last year, and my coach scheduled about 1 hour of practice per day, with 2 hours available on weekends. It took nearly two weeks to go from completely unable to shift gears to being confident enough to drive on the road, followed by three more sessions practicing the test route. In total, I had over a dozen training sessions spanning just over a month. The most time-consuming part was memorizing the sequence and details of the test items, such as checking the rearview mirror for 3 seconds before changing lanes and keeping the parallel parking within 30 centimeters. Later, two mock tests took three days, and the actual test, including queuing and registration, lasted from 8 a.m. until noon.
As a driving instructor who has trained hundreds of students, the most crucial aspect of Subject 3 is completing the required 16 practice hours. Students who practice daily can take the test in just two weeks, while working professionals who can only practice on weekends may need two months. More practice time isn't always better—limiting each session to one hour and practicing consistently for ten days is far more effective than cramming for three days. I recommend first mastering basic maneuvers like starting and gear shifting, then dedicating the last three days specifically to practicing the test route. The actual test takes only about ten minutes to complete, but arriving two hours early for check-in, ID verification, and queuing is what truly consumes time.
