How to Coordinate the Throttle and Clutch in Subject Three?
4 Answers
Methods for coordinating the clutch and throttle in the driving test Subject Three: 1. Release the clutch slowly when starting: Then lightly press the throttle to provide more starting power and reduce the risk of stalling. 2. Fully depress the clutch when shifting gears: Shift to second gear, release the clutch, and lightly press the throttle. 3. Decelerate and downshift before turning, making a U-turn, or stopping: Only press the brake to reduce speed to 20 kilometers per hour. 4. Maintain steady driving in second gear: Before turning the steering wheel, ensure steady driving in second gear. You can lightly press the clutch to decelerate when starting the turn. 5. During the latter half of the turn: The car requires more power at this stage. In addition to releasing the clutch, you can appropriately press the throttle slightly to prevent the car body from shaking due to insufficient power.
As a beginner learning to drive, coordinating the clutch and throttle in Subject 3 can indeed make your palms sweat, but practice makes perfect. When starting, press the clutch all the way down and shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch until the car slightly moves, gently apply throttle to stabilize the car, then fully release the clutch to accelerate. When shifting gears, first ease off the throttle, press the clutch all the way down to shift, then release the clutch evenly while applying throttle. When slowing down, first ease off the throttle, press the clutch, and downshift. Poor clutch-throttle coordination can easily lead to stalling or points deduction by the examiner. At first, I was always afraid of stalling, so I practiced the half-clutch point repeatedly, feeling the engine's vibration and sound, and eventually found the rhythm for smooth coordination. Remember, don’t rush during the test, keep breathing relaxed, and always check the traffic conditions around you to ensure safety.
Having driven for several years, coordinating the clutch and throttle has become second nature, and the third driving test is actually quite simple. When starting, release the clutch halfway and gently tap the throttle—don’t stomp on it—then accelerate smoothly once the car is moving. For gear shifts, coordinate your hands and feet: ease off the throttle, quickly engage the clutch and shift, then smoothly release the clutch while matching the throttle. On high-speed sections, the clutch barely moves. Before stopping, press the clutch and ease off the throttle. Avoid riding the clutch too long, as it can burn the friction plates. Smooth shifts will impress the examiner. Mastering clutch-throttle coordination in daily driving saves fuel and reduces clutch wear. I often remind friends preparing for the third test not to just memorize steps but to develop a feel for the car—mistakes are fine, just try again.
In the driving test (Subject 3), proper coordination between the accelerator and clutch directly affects your score, so it must be smooth. When starting, avoid stalling by fully releasing the clutch and gently applying gas. Shift gears quickly by pressing the clutch firmly, changing gears, then releasing the clutch while applying gas. When approaching intersections or stopping, press the clutch in advance to slow down and shift to a lower gear. Avoid keeping the clutch in the semi-engaged state for too long, as this will result in point deductions. The examiner will evaluate the smoothness of your starts and gear shifts. It's recommended to test the semi-engaged clutch feeling before starting to find the engagement point. Practice more to find a smooth rhythm and stay relaxed during the test.
