How soon after starting in Subject 3 should you shift to 2nd gear?
2 Answers
Shift to 2nd gear three seconds before turning, and try to keep the time in 2nd gear within 20 seconds. The turning speed should be controlled below 30 and above 20. Below is relevant information about precautions for Subject 3: Lane change: When the student hears "Please change lanes," turn on the turn signal and wait for 3 seconds before turning the steering wheel. If the driver is on a single-lane road, lane changing is not allowed at this time. Straight-line driving: Students should try to look as far ahead as possible to drive straight. Once straight-line driving begins, the steering wheel should no longer be turned arbitrarily, nor should it cross the solid lane line. Many people fail this section because the test vehicles are used very frequently and are operated by beginners, which may result in the car not driving straight even when the steering wheel angle is correct. In this case, students should focus their vision on the distance and make fine adjustments to the steering wheel to ensure straight-line driving, rather than keeping the steering wheel fixed.
I remember when learning to drive at the driving school, the instructor always emphasized not to rush into second gear after starting. After starting in first gear, wait until the car has just begun moving steadily, the speed reaches around 15 to 20 kilometers per hour, and the engine noise isn't too loud before gently shifting gears. In the driving test (Subject 3), this is a crucial point—if you shift too early, the car may stall due to insufficient speed, resulting in immediate point deductions; if too slow, the examiner might think you're dragging your feet as the acceleration won't be smooth. After practicing a few times myself, I found it's best to listen for changes in the engine sound, stay calm, and not panic. Typically, shift after the car has been moving for about three seconds. Daily driving also requires attention to this—smooth shifting saves fuel and ensures safety.