How many seconds of coasting in neutral will result in failing the Subject 3 test?
2 Answers
Subject 3 test will be failed if coasting in neutral exceeds 5 seconds. Here are the details: 1. Introduction: Subject 3 test involves frequent gear changes. You need to brake when encountering road signs, red lights, temporary roadside parking, and pedestrian crossings. Braking requires pressing the clutch first. However, Subject 3 requires examinees to stop the vehicle immediately when intending to brake. 2. Gear shifting: Gear shifting also requires pressing the clutch first and then decisively shifting gears without hesitation or keeping the clutch pressed continuously. Avoid habitually resting your foot on the clutch pedal. Every part of the test vehicle is equipped with sensors and probes, so all operations during the 58 Auto test are recorded in real time. If the clutch is pressed for 5 seconds without any other operation, the test will be judged as failed.
Recently, I've been frequently asked this question while coaching students for Subject 3. The exam system is particularly strict about coasting in neutral gear—exceeding just 1 second results in an automatic failure. I've personally witnessed someone fail for coasting 1.5 seconds. This is mainly because coasting in neutral is hazardous in real traffic conditions, as the vehicle loses engine braking and becomes prone to losing control. Exam vehicles are equipped with sensors that trigger an alarm if the gearshift remains in neutral beyond the allotted time. During practice, it's essential to develop the habit of braking first when encountering a red light, then disengaging the clutch and shifting to neutral within half a second. On downhill sections, always coast in gear. Pay special attention not to lazily shift to neutral during low-speed following—the computer's timing is more precise than human reaction, and this penalty is absolutely zero-tolerance.
