How to Shift Gears in the Subject 3 Road Test?

[DelKendra]

Here are the methods for shifting gears in the Subject 3 road test: press the clutch, shift to 1st gear, and after starting, you can shift to 2nd gear. When the speed reaches 20, you can shift to 3rd gear, and when the speed reaches 30, you can shift to 4th gear. Below are the precautions for shifting gears in the Subject 3 test: 1. Master the clutch pedal: Practice pressing the clutch pedal frequently to maintain a stable state and develop a good habit—press it all the way down and release it slowly. 2. Coordinate the throttle and clutch properly: Ensure proper coordination between the throttle and clutch. When starting, shift to 1st gear, release the clutch slowly, and apply the throttle at the semi-clutch state. Only release the clutch completely after the car starts moving. 3. Grasp the timing for shifting gears: Shift gears when the engine speed is around 2000 RPM. First, reduce the throttle and then press the clutch to prevent the clutch from being forced to disengage. Then, shift gears. The shifting sequence must be 1st gear → 2nd gear → 3rd gear → 4th gear → 5th gear. Skipping gears is not recommended. The downshifting sequence depends on the speed and the specific condition of your car. Generally, downshift when the engine speed is below around 1500 RPM. 4. Shift gears frequently: Shift gears frequently during driving based on the speed and road conditions. Choosing the appropriate gear is essential. Infrequent shifting can easily cause the car to drag, increasing wear and fuel consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to develop the habit of frequent shifting. 5. Make shifting movements smooth: Ensure that shifting movements are smooth, and the clutch is pressed all the way down in one motion. Gear shifting should also be done in one step. Familiarize yourself with the gear positions and practice the feel frequently.

[TuckerFitz]

Shifting gears is quite important in the road test for Subject 3. I was really nervous during my test, afraid of making mistakes that would deduct points. The basic steps are: first, press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot to ensure the power is completely disconnected, then grip the gear lever with your right hand and shift to the appropriate gear based on the speed. For example, you usually start in first gear, shift to second gear at around 20 km/h, and then to third gear at around 40 km/h. The key is to be smooth—never release or press the clutch pedal abruptly, or the car may jerk or stall. During the test, the examiner will pay attention to your timing and smoothness when shifting gears. It’s recommended to practice coordinating the clutch and accelerator pedal more often. I remember my driving instructor always saying, 'Release the clutch slowly and press the accelerator gently' to keep the car steady, especially when shifting up or down. Don’t look down at the gear lever and lose focus—keep your eyes on the road ahead, as this is a basic requirement for safe driving. Before the test, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the slopes and curves of the test route and prepare for gear shifts in advance to avoid panicking.