How to Maintain a Straight Line in Subject Three?
4 Answers
Here are the techniques for maintaining a straight line in Subject Three: First, look far ahead: Not at the scenery or the sky, but at the farthest point of the road where it disappears. Since the road is straight, focus on the middle of the road in the distance, and your peripheral vision will naturally pick up the edges of the lane. This helps you sense if the car is drifting. Second, make slight adjustments: Although the adjustment is only about two degrees, don’t hesitate to correct. When driving straight, avoid gripping the steering wheel tightly—just rest your hands lightly on it. If you feel the car drifting, give a gentle nudge, and the wheel will naturally straighten out. Over the next few seconds, the direction will gradually correct itself. As the instructor says, treat it like guiding an elderly person. Avoid overcorrecting—swaying the wheel back and forth means you’re oversteering. Third, detect and correct early: This requires both a good sense of direction and steering control. If you’re not focused ahead and only notice the drift halfway through, it’s too late to adjust. Early detection allows for gradual correction, even if the initial adjustment was too strong. This is crucial. Fourth, sense the speed: This skill prevents you from looking down at the speedometer while driving straight. Glancing down will cause drifting. Direction requires constant attention, while speed should be controlled by feel—practice is key. Avoid accelerating too much just because the car seems straight; uncontrolled speed (e.g., suddenly hitting 50 km/h) is unacceptable. Fifth, apply steady throttle: Don’t stomp on the gas or accelerate in jerks. Smooth, gradual acceleration is best.
When maintaining a straight line in Subject 3, I believe the key lies in the coordination of posture and vision. Having driven for over a decade, I always emphasize sitting upright with your back against the seat and locking your eyes on a fixed point in the distance, such as a building or tree at the end of the road. This naturally keeps the car centered. Then, gently place your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, avoiding a tight grip. When encountering uneven roads or slight curves, make minor adjustments to the steering wheel, keeping the movement within 1-2 degrees to prevent excessive sway. Speed is also crucial—maintain a steady pace of around 25-30 km/h, as going too fast or too slow can easily cause deviation. Regular practice on open roads with a friend observing can help test if you tend to drift. Remember, nervousness during the test can lead to mistakes, so stay relaxed and take deep breaths. These techniques not only help during the exam but also prevent accidents in everyday driving.
I just passed my driving test, and I almost failed the third part. But now I've learned a bit. I choose a straight section to start preparing, sitting upright without bending over to look at the road close by. Instead, I focus on a distant point ahead, like a big tree or a bridge pier, and keep driving toward it. The steering wheel only needs slight adjustments—just a little turn is enough. Don't steer too sharply, or the car will zigzag. Maintain a speed of 20 to 25 km/h, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. I found that if I focus on road gaps or markings, I get distracted and veer off. But after shifting my gaze to the distance, it got much better. During practice, having a partner in the passenger seat helps point out mistakes, like when I start drifting off course. Exam mentality also matters—keep calm, recite a rhythm in your mind, and don’t let nervousness make your hands shake. A few more practice runs make you more skilled, which is very helpful for beginners.
I've been driving for decades, and safety comes first. To keep the car straight, look further ahead instead of staring at the road right in front of the car. Pick a fixed target in the distance to drive straight. Don't make big movements with the steering wheel, just make slight adjustments. Maintain a steady speed.
