
Subject 3 exam tests one route. Additional information: The road driving skills test for Subject 3 generally includes: vehicle preparation, lighting simulation test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, lane changing, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing through crosswalks, passing through school zones, passing through bus stations, meeting vehicles, making U-turns, overtaking, and nighttime driving. The safe 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 such as tire blowouts, and knowledge of handling after traffic accidents.

When I took the driving test (Subject 3), our driving school had three fixed exam routes assigned by lottery before the test. Each route was fairly designed with mandatory items like starting off, lane changing, and pulling over to ensure candidates could drive flexibly rather than just memorizing. I practiced each route multiple times to familiarize myself with every traffic light and turning point—otherwise, nervousness could lead to mistakes. The number of routes usually depends on local arrangements, typically 2-3 in most places, but don’t fixate on the exact count. Focus on mastering basics like speed control and situational awareness. On exam day, arrive early to warm up and stay relaxed—no matter how many routes, you’ll handle it.

My experience with numerous trainees has taught me that the Category 3 driving test usually has two or three routes, which may vary by test center. One route is randomly selected during the exam to prevent candidates from practicing only a fixed section. Each route covers similar skills, such as straight-line driving, crossing intersections, and stopping/starting, with a focus on testing practical driving abilities. When preparing, don’t just count the routes—practice overall techniques, familiarize yourself with rules and hand signals. I usually advise trainees to simulate different road conditions, like rainy weather or peak hours, to improve adaptability. If the route changes unexpectedly, stay calm and follow your training to pass smoothly. Always ask your instructor about local details in advance—don’t wait until the exam to panic.

For the driving test (Subject 3), there are only two routes at my location—one simpler and one more complex, with random selection during the exam. The key isn’t memorizing the routes but mastering basic operations, like steering properly during turns and controlling speed. The routes include sections like lane changes and pedestrian crossings—running through them multiple times on a simulator helps. I’ve heard some places have three routes, but the essence remains the same: testing whether you can drive safely. It’s advised not to just focus on theory in the week before the test; instead, practice actual driving to reduce nervousness. Ultimately, the number of routes doesn’t matter—being steady behind the wheel is what counts.

I remember when I was preparing for the driving test (Subject 3), my instructor mentioned that our test center had two fixed exam routes, sometimes increased to three, to ensure fairness. Each route includes key test items such as checking blind spots when changing lanes, stopping on slopes, etc. Candidates are randomly assigned one route. Don't focus too much on the number of routes; the key is to practice more and master the skills. It's recommended to simulate the routes using navigation apps to improve your sense of direction. During the test, stay calm in various situations, like watching for pedestrians or traffic, and you'll pass easily. Getting familiar with local test conditions in advance is helpful, but don't overthink it—safety comes first when driving.

When my child was taking the third driving test, their driving school mentioned that there are usually two main routes plus one alternative route, with the exam route determined by lottery. Each route is meticulously designed to test skills like smooth starting and maintaining proper following distance, and the anti-cheating measures are truly effective. We had him practice each route two or three times, but we emphasized practicing fundamental skills more than just memorizing details. During the exam, he needed to adapt on the spot and handle different road conditions calmly. Overall, the number of routes fluctuates between 2-3, depending on the test center's resources. The key is to drive more on real roads to develop good habits—passing the test will then come naturally.


