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.

[OVanessa]

Shifting gears properly is crucial in the Road Test (Subject 3). I usually start from first gear in my daily driving—steadily press the clutch, shift gears, release to the biting point, and then give a little throttle to ensure a smooth and jerk-free start. When the speed increases, it’s essential to upshift promptly; when going downhill or slowing down, downshift to control speed using gears rather than relying solely on brakes. The key points in the test are avoiding jerky gear lever movements and operating the clutch gently. Mis-shifting or failing to engage a gear will result in point deductions by the examiner. I recommend practicing gear shifts on straight road sections, such as repeatedly shifting in neutral to get a feel for the ‘slotting-in’ sensation of the gears. Additionally, pay attention to the tachometer or engine sound to determine the right shifting moment—neither too high nor too low RPM is ideal. Never hold the clutch pedal down for more than 10 seconds, as this violates road regulations. Before driving, always check and clear the gear position to develop good driving habits, ensuring a calm and confident performance during the test.

[AlinaAnn]

When shifting gears in the driving test, stability is key. Here are the main points I focused on while learning: First, ensure the clutch is fully depressed before shifting; memorize the speed range for each gear, such as 1st gear for 0-15 km/h, 2nd gear for 15-35 km/h, and 3rd gear for 35-50 km/h. Maintain smooth vehicle movement during gear shifts to avoid jerking. Common mistakes include incorrect timing for shifting or depressing the clutch too hastily—this often caused my car to stall during practice. I recommend practicing the feeling of slowly releasing the clutch while coordinating with the throttle. During the road test, gear shifts must be adapted to road conditions; avoid shifting at intersections or while turning.

[DelAdaline]

During my driving test, my gear shifting technique was: first press the clutch pedal firmly, shift gears quickly but without excessive force, and listen for a slight 'click' sound to confirm proper engagement. Start in first gear, release to the biting point while adding a bit of throttle, and promptly accelerate to shift into second gear once the car moves. Note that the test requires smooth gear changes—avoid wrong gears or coasting in neutral. I once made the mistake of forgetting to downshift when decelerating, causing the car to shudder, but I improved with practice. It's best to simulate test scenarios during practice, such as repeatedly performing starts and gear shifts in the driving school lot to build muscle memory. For safety, quickly return your gaze to the road after shifting—don't get distracted checking the dashboard.