How many points are deducted for deviating from straight-line driving in Subject 3?
3 Answers
In Subject 3 straight-line driving, if the car body tilts but is quickly corrected, 10 points are deducted. If the driver cannot maintain a straight line or even crosses the line to change lanes, it results in an immediate failure. Below are some tips for straight-line driving in Subject 3: 1. Hold the steering wheel steadily: Always grip the steering wheel with both hands, placing the left and right hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, respectively. Then, use the left hand as the primary control and the right hand as the auxiliary. When turning the steering wheel, keep the wrists and arms relaxed—avoid stiffness. 2. Find a reference point: During the straight-line driving test, identify a reference point, such as the edge line or dividing line of the road. If any deviation occurs during driving, adjust the direction promptly. Avoid making large turns of the steering wheel; instead, make slight adjustments. 3. Look ahead and broaden your vision: While driving, focus your gaze far ahead, specifically on the geometric centerline of the road. With a broadened vision, any deviation can be corrected in time.
During my driving test for Subject 3, I experienced points deduction due to veering off course during the straight-line driving section. The examiner noted that I had deviated more than 30 centimeters from the center of the lane, resulting in a 10-point deduction. I remember being extremely nervous at the time, with my hands trembling on the steering wheel. Due to strong winds and an uneven road surface, the car drifted to the right. My instructor had taught me a technique: focus your eyes on a fixed point in the distance, such as a utility pole or a billboard, to keep the car straight. However, I forgot to use this method during the test. The test rules state that deviating more than 30 centimeters results in a 10-point deduction—this is a standard requirement designed to assess your vehicle control and judgment. Multiple mistakes leading to a total score below 90 points will result in an automatic failure. A friend of mine had it worse; after veering off, they panicked and incurred additional penalties, but they still managed to pass. My advice is to practice low-speed straight-line driving frequently, find an empty road to rehearse several times, and develop good habits during practice. Losing points isn’t the end of the world—what matters is staying calm, focusing, and making adjustments. This way, you’ll handle the next test with ease!
When I was taking the third driving test, veering off during straight-line driving would indeed result in penalties. If the vehicle deviates more than 30 centimeters from the center line during the test, it usually deducts around 10 points, which is meant to assess your ability to maintain stable control. I made this mistake during my practice: I kept staring at the front of the car, and whenever it slightly veered, I would jerk the steering wheel, only making it worse. The day before the test, I specifically asked my instructor, and he said the key is to look far ahead and avoid nervously overcorrecting. If you lose points for veering, don’t worry too much—the third test is out of 100 points, and after losing 10, you can still make up for it in other sections. In real-world driving, veering out of the lane could lead to scraping another car, which is very dangerous. So, I remind new learners: before the test, practice straight-line driving on flat roads a few times to get a feel for the car’s momentum; during the test, take deep breaths and maintain a steady rhythm. Developing good habits early will make real-world driving safer and more comfortable—a win-win.
