How Long Should the Interval Between Subject 2 and Subject 3 Be?
4 Answers
The interval between Subject 2 and Subject 3 is approximately 10-30 days. There are differences in the interval between Subjects 2, 3, and 4 for small and large vehicle driver's licenses. The common scheduling intervals for C1 and C2 small car driver's licenses are as follows: Subject 1: After the driving school submits the registration information to the vehicle management office, it usually takes 7-15 days for the review to be completed. Once approved, you can schedule Subject 1. Subject 2: You can start scheduling Subject 2 10 days after passing Subject 1. Subject 3: The driving test must be taken in order. After passing Subject 1, you must wait 20 days before scheduling Subject 2. After passing Subject 2, you must wait 10 days before scheduling Subject 3. For C2, you can schedule Subject 3 20 days after passing Subject 1. Subject 4: Subject 4 can be scheduled together with Subject 3, as Subject 4 is essentially a branch of Subject 3, but it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. Subject 3 Practice Notes: Master the lighting operations to avoid stalling. Be proficient in starting-related operations to avoid issues like stalling during startup, rolling back, or forgetting to release the handbrake. During straight-line driving, keep the steering wheel steady, maintain a proper posture, and look far ahead. Be skilled in gear shifting (upshift by listening to the engine sound, downshift by observing speed). When passing intersections, crosswalks, bus stops, etc., control speed appropriately and maintain awareness and safety. For turn signals, such as lane changes, overtaking, U-turns, or pulling over, wait at least 3 seconds before moving the steering wheel. Master pulling over within 30 cm. Subject 3 Exam Tips: Stay calm and avoid nervousness: Avoid focusing solely on the road ahead due to nervousness, which may cause you to forget to observe the surroundings. Many candidates make mistakes during turns or evasions under such tension. Therefore, during the Subject 3 test, avoid fixating on the road ahead and always observe the surroundings and rearview mirrors to prevent accidents. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle's gears: Do not overlook the basics of gear operation. Avoid instinctively looking at the gearshift when nervous, as this will result in immediate disqualification by the examiner, regardless of other performance aspects. Thus, be familiar with the gears during the Subject 3 test. Master clutch control: Especially during gear shifts, be proficient in operating the clutch pedal. React quickly to situations to leave a calm impression on the examiner, making it easier to pass the test.
When my friend was taking the driver's license test in Hangzhou, the instructor urged him to practice for Subject 3 just three days after passing Subject 2. Actually, there are significant regional differences. For example, in Beijing, you must wait 20 days before you can schedule the test, while in Shenzhen, it's only 10 days. The key factor also depends on your driving school's schedule and the availability of test slots at the vehicle management office. When I was learning to drive, I encountered a peak exam period and had to wait a whole month before I could get a slot. It's best to ask your instructor in advance about the specific scheduling rules. Don't just rely on the driving school's promotion of 'fast-track classes.' In some places, you also need to complete 16 hours of training before you can make an appointment.
Our driving school instructor said that after completing Subject 2, you must wait at least seven days before practicing Subject 3. You really can't idle during this time; you need to memorize the road driving rules as soon as possible. When I took the test, I encountered the new regulation that requires at least 10 hours of road training video records to register. Later, I found out that the actual interval also depends on the vehicle management office releasing slots—you can take the test as long as the system shows available appointments. I recommend using the Traffic Management 12123 app to check the latest local rules. For example, last year, Shijiazhuang suddenly changed to a mandatory 15-day interval.
When I was getting my driver's license, the instructor kept saying there was no fixed interval—it mainly depended on whether the required hours were completed. Nowadays, many places have implemented electronic check-ins, requiring 12 training hours for Subject 2 and 16 hours for Subject 3. If you practice driving every day, you can complete the required hours for Subject 3 in two weeks. However, the actual scheduling of the test depends on the exam center's availability. For example, during peak seasons in Zhengzhou, you might have to wait three weeks, while in off-seasons, it could take just ten days. It's best to urge your instructor to help you secure a spot right after passing Subject 2.
