How many points are deducted for coasting in neutral gear in Subject 3?
3 Answers
Coasting in neutral gear in Subject 3 results in a deduction of 100 points. Coasting in neutral refers to the driving method where the driver shifts the gear lever to the neutral position while the vehicle is in motion, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, allowing the vehicle to move by inertia. Coasting in neutral must be performed under conditions that ensure safety and normal vehicle technical status. It is prohibited to coast with the engine off, especially when descending steep or long slopes. Below is an introduction to the content of Subject 3: 1. Introduction to Subject 3: Subject 3 includes the road driving skills test and the safety and civilized driving knowledge test. It is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviated name for the road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. The content of the road driving skills test varies depending on the type of vehicle being licensed. 2. Content of Subject 3: The road driving skills test in Subject 3 generally includes: preparation before driving, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over to the side, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crosswalks, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test generally includes: requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and knowledge of post-accident handling procedures.
I remember last year during my driving test for Subject 3, one of my driving school classmates tried coasting in neutral to save fuel during road practice, but was immediately caught by the examiner and deducted 100 points, failing him on the spot. He was extremely frustrated at the time. Later, the instructor explained to us: coasting in neutral is considered serious because when the car is in neutral while moving, it loses engine braking. In case of emergency braking or going downhill, the braking distance increases significantly, posing an extremely high risk. The test rules clearly state this as an immediate 100-point deduction, aiming to cultivate safe driving habits in us. Since then, I've always been vigilant about this mistake during practice, ensuring the gear always matches the speed. After all, safety is the core of driving tests, and developing good habits is essential to avoid accidents in real driving later on. Now that I have my license, I still follow this principle while driving and find it incredibly beneficial.
As a coach who frequently instructs beginners, I've noticed that students most often fail the Subject 3 driving test due to coasting in neutral. Once the gear is shifted into neutral while driving, the examiner usually deducts 100 points immediately, which means the test is over and must be retaken. I repeatedly emphasize to my students that this isn't a technical issue but a critical safety rule: when in neutral, the engine is disconnected from the wheels, and braking relies solely on the brake pads, increasing stopping distance and accident risks. The test focuses on this because it reflects the driver's lack of dynamic control over the vehicle. It should also be avoided in real driving to prevent excessive brake wear or loss of control. I always advise them to simulate test scenarios during regular practice by using engine braking instead—for example, controlling speed with second gear to navigate turns smoothly without mistakes. Remember, the goal isn’t just to avoid penalties but to build safety awareness.
