How many times should the high and low beam lights be alternated in Subject 3?
2 Answers
In Subject 3, the high and low beam lights should be alternated no fewer than two times. During the lighting test, you need to alternate between high and low beams when you hear prompts such as: approaching a sharp curve, approaching a slope, approaching a bridge, approaching a crosswalk, or approaching an intersection without traffic signals. The alternation should be done no fewer than two times. Subject 3 lighting operations: Low beam: Driving straight through an intersection at night, meeting another vehicle at night, driving straight through an intersection at night, driving on well-lit roads at night, or following another vehicle closely in the same direction at night. High beam: Driving under conditions with no streetlights or poor lighting. Hazard lights: Temporary parking at night or when the vehicle breaks down and is difficult to move on the road at night. Alternating high and low beams: Passing a sharp curve or slope at night, passing a sharp curve or bridge at night, passing a bridge or crosswalk at night, passing a slope or bridge at night, passing an intersection without traffic signals at night, or overtaking a vehicle ahead at night. Turn signals: Used when turning. Turning includes not only left and right turns but also lane changes and U-turns. Fog lights: Used when driving in foggy conditions, along with the parking lights, and sometimes also the hazard lights.
I remember when I was practicing the Category 3 lighting operations at the driving school last time, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that alternating high and low beam maneuver. The exam voice prompt would say "Please alternate between high and low beams," and at this point, you need to operate the light lever four times: first push to high beam, pull back to low beam, then push to high beam again, and finally pull back to low beam. This completes two full switches in a continuous motion. Don’t think it’s easy—I kept forgetting the third push at first and lost a lot of points. The test evaluates whether you can react quickly, simulating the scenario of reminding an oncoming vehicle during nighttime driving. This skill is also useful in daily driving when navigating curves. Looking back on the practice process now, I feel it’s essential to simulate it multiple times to build the habit and pass the exam smoothly.
