How many seconds can the clutch be pressed during the start of Subject 3?
2 Answers
Subject 3 examination stipulates that the clutch should not be pressed continuously for more than 5 seconds, meaning the time for pressing the clutch before and after shifting gears should not be too long, otherwise it will result in an immediate failure of the test. Correct way to press the clutch in Subject 3: Press the clutch with the tip of your foot, keeping the heel off the ground. After shifting into first gear, slowly retract your foot backward, lift the entire leg, and gradually release the clutch to the semi-engaged state. The clutch will then slide from the tip of your foot to the center, at which point the heel should touch the ground. If the clutch is not fully pressed down, you will hear a grating sound of gears clashing during gear shifting, which is very sharp and noticeable. This will result in point deductions during the test. For regular driving, this can also damage the vehicle. Additionally, skipping gears while shifting up is not allowed, as it leads to a mismatch between speed and gear, known as "low speed with high gear," causing severe body vibration and possibly stalling the engine. Prolonged driving in low gears is also prohibited. The test imposes limits on the distance covered in first and second gears: no more than 50 meters for first gear and 100 meters for second gear per instance. Slow gear shifting in low gears can easily exceed these limits, as can driving long distances in first or second gear.
When I first took the driving test for Subject 3, clutch control was the key point for starting the car, and timing was crucial. The rules clearly state that the semi-engaged clutch state must not exceed 5 seconds, otherwise the test will be failed immediately. I've seen many people fail because of this, and it made me quite nervous. Holding the clutch too long causes the oil temperature to rise excessively, leading to rapid wear, unstable engine speed, and stalling. During the test, try to act quickly, gently press the accelerator while partially releasing the clutch to ensure a smooth start in one go. Regular practice helps develop a good feel, and forming good habits is important for safe driving, as well as saving on maintenance costs.
