How Long Does the Subject 3 Test Take?
2 Answers
There is generally no time limit for the Subject 3 test. Below are the precautions for Subject 3: 1. Lane Change: When the examinee hears "Please change lanes," they must turn on the turn signal and wait for it to flash for 3 seconds before turning the steering wheel. If the driver is on a single-lane road, lane changing is not allowed at this time. 2. Straight Driving: Once straight driving begins, the steering wheel cannot be turned arbitrarily, nor can it cross the solid lane line. The examinee should focus their vision into the distance and make minor adjustments to the steering wheel to maintain straight driving, rather than keeping the steering wheel completely still. 3. Slow Down: When passing through crosswalks, school zones, bus stops, or straight intersections, the examinee should lightly press the brake pedal to slow down. 4. Light Simulation: During light operations, both hands must remain on the steering wheel; otherwise, it will result in an immediate failure. If one hand needs to leave the wheel to operate the lights, the other hand must firmly hold the steering wheel.
I remember during the driving test (Subject 3), each examinee actually spent about 10 to 15 minutes in the car. In my case, I completed the test in just 12 minutes. The test included sections like starting the car, driving straight, turning at intersections, and pulling over to park. The examiner gave instructions throughout, and the timing was quite tight. However, I should remind everyone that the entire process on test day was much longer. I reported early in the morning and waited over an hour just to be called. The whole thing took more than two hours to complete. The duration might vary slightly depending on the driving school and city. For example, in suburban areas with simpler road conditions, it might take only 10 minutes, while in more complex urban settings, it could stretch to 20 minutes. The key is to practice until you're proficient and stay calm—after all, the short time is mainly to test real driving skills. If you happen to take the test during peak hours, the waiting time can be even longer, so bringing a book or your phone to pass the time is a good idea. Overall, the test duration is short but comprehensive enough to ensure new drivers are safe on the road.
