How Many Points Are Deducted for Gear and Speed Mismatch?
3 Answers
In the Subject 3 driving test, a mismatch between vehicle speed and gear will result in a deduction of 10 points. Additional information: 1. Gear shifting in Subject 3 test: Each gear has a specific speed range. For example, use 2nd gear between 10-30 km/h, 3rd gear between 20-40 km/h, and 4th gear between 30-50 km/h, subject to local testing site requirements. 2. Perform gear shifting progressively; skipping gears during the road test is strictly prohibited. For instance, when accelerating to 20 km/h, you can shift from 1st to 2nd gear but not directly to 3rd gear. If you select the wrong gear, don’t panic—immediately press the clutch, return to neutral, and then shift again. Gear shifting should be swift and decisive. When accelerating and upshifting, coordinate the throttle and clutch properly. 3. If you hear a point deduction announcement, stay calm and immediately confirm your current speed and gear: (1) Take immediate action. If the speed is lower than the gear, do not accelerate right away. (2) The safest approach is to press the clutch, shift to a lower gear, and then perform matching operations. If the speed is higher than the gear, simply decelerate.
I remember when I first got my driver's license, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the gear must match the speed, otherwise points would be deducted directly. In the driving test (Subject 3), the standard is that if the speed is too high for a lower gear or too low for a higher gear, causing the engine RPM to exceed a reasonable range, 10 points are usually deducted. This has a significant impact on students because Subject 3 is scored out of 100, and losing 10 points can put you dangerously close to the passing threshold. Once during my test, I was in fifth gear while driving too slowly, and the examiner immediately pointed it out and deducted points. After that, I paid extra attention to the timing of gear shifts during practice to avoid overloading the engine and damaging the car. This isn’t just about passing the test—it’s more about developing good habits to prevent increased fuel consumption or stalling due to improper gear shifts while driving. In daily life, everyone should also be mindful of this, especially in congested traffic conditions where frequent gear changes are necessary, ensuring smooth transitions.
As a driving instructor, I observe students taking tests every day, and gear mismatch is a common point deduction. The test rules are clear: minor mismatches, such as driving at 50 km/h in second gear instead of third, deduct 10 points; severe cases like shifting into first gear at high speed may result in an immediate 100-point deduction and failure. I advise students to practice shifting more to develop a feel for it, using the tachometer and speedometer as guides. In real driving, frequent mismatches can overload the engine, shorten its lifespan, increase fuel consumption, and most importantly, compromise safety—especially on slopes where the car becomes unstable. Though it may seem like a minor mistake, accumulated errors can lead to major risks. Correcting them early greatly benefits driving skill development.
