How many points are deducted for gear mismatch in Subject 3?
3 Answers
In the Subject 3 driving test, a mismatch between vehicle speed and gear will result in a deduction of ten points. Shifting gears must pass through neutral: When shifting gears, if you directly shift to second gear without passing through neutral, the computer will assume you are still in first gear. Driving at second gear speed under this condition will cause the computer to judge it as excessive speed in first gear, resulting in a mismatch and a 10-point deduction. Gear shifting speed guidelines: 1st gear speed should be below 10 km/h, 2nd gear speed between 10-20 km/h, 3rd gear speed between 20-30 km/h, 4th gear speed between 30-40 km/h, and speeds exceeding 40 km/h can use 5th gear.
During my driving test for Subject 3, gear matching was a crucial point in the exam. A mismatch would immediately deduct 10 points! During my own test, I was in a hurry and shifted to a higher gear at low speed, which was immediately noticed by the examiner, costing me 10 points. You should know that Subject 3 has a full score of 100, and you need at least 90 to pass. There are many points that can be deducted, and these 10 points make up a large portion. Frequent gear mistakes could lead directly to failing the test. The instructor often said that common reasons for gear mismatch include beginners not being familiar with vehicle speed or mishearing the engine RPM. During practice, I used simulators to get familiar with the feel, and it became much safer when I hit the road. Developing a smooth gear-shifting habit not only helps pass the test but also extends the car's lifespan and reduces transmission wear. I advise fellow test-takers to focus on practicing gear shifting—don’t underestimate these 10 points.
As someone who frequently guides driving tests, I have to tell you that the 10-point deduction for gear mismatch is very strict. The Category 3 driving test evaluation criteria stipulate that points will be deducted if the gear does not match the vehicle speed. In practical situations, such as shifting incorrectly during acceleration, the examiner will immediately deduct points. The key reason is that this mistake poses safety risks: low speed with high gear may cause stalling and lead to rear-end collisions, while high speed with low gear can damage the clutch. Before the test, practice intensively and try shifting gears under different road conditions to get a feel for speed changes. When teaching students, I emphasize developing the habit of checking the tachometer—even for automatic transmission cars, it's important to pay attention to the operational logic. A 10-point deduction is no small matter; with a total score of 100 and a passing mark of 90, one wrong gear shift could ruin all your previous efforts. Focus on the smoothness of every gear shift to improve your pass rate.
