How to Operate Gear Shifting in Subject Three?
3 Answers
Methods for operating gear shifting in Subject Three: 1. When shifting into 1st gear, press the clutch with your left foot and gently hold the gear lever parallel to the left with your right hand; 2. Push the gear lever forward lightly to engage 1st gear, and pause the left foot at the semi-engagement point of the clutch; 3. Completely release the clutch and place the left foot on the footrest; 4. When shifting into 2nd gear, press the clutch with your left foot and use wrist strength to pull the gear lever backward into 2nd gear with your right hand, then slowly release the clutch with your left foot; 5. When shifting into 3rd gear, press the clutch with your left foot and push the gear lever forward with your right hand to let it naturally return to neutral; 6. Push straight forward to engage 3rd gear and slowly release the clutch. Subject Three includes the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test, which are part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination.
I remember when I first started learning to drive, I could practice shifting gears until midnight without getting tired. When upshifting, first accelerate, then press the clutch all the way down once the speed is right, move the gear lever to the higher gear, and slowly release the clutch while giving a bit of gas to keep the car moving smoothly. Downshifting before slowing down follows the same principle—press the clutch and shift to a lower gear while matching the speed to avoid jerking. The driving test (Subject 3) pays special attention to smooth gear shifts—no stalling or jerking, and the movements should feel natural. I spent a long time practicing the coordination between the clutch and throttle, and looking back now, developing good habits is crucial, especially when shifting gears during turns or on slopes—safety comes first. After driving a few more times, the feel becomes natural. Always remember to stay focused on the road conditions with every maneuver.
With over 20 years of driving experience, shifting gears is a daily necessity. When accelerating and upshifting, pay attention to the RPM—step on the clutch and shift up when the car feels powerful, and release the clutch decisively without hesitation. For deceleration and downshifting, press the clutch early and shift to a lower gear, especially when going downhill to control speed. During the driving test (Subject 3), the examiner looks for smooth, uninterrupted movements—match the gear to the speed to avoid jerking. I usually drive with light, quick movements, but never focus solely on shifting and neglect observing traffic—safety always comes first. Beginners should practice simulating road conditions more often—finding the right rhythm makes the process much easier.
