How to Touch the Sensors in the Driving Test (Subject 3)?
3 Answers
During the Subject 3 driving test, candidates are required to walk counterclockwise around the vehicle and locate the external sensors, pressing each for 2 seconds. Here are the key points to note for the Subject 3 driving test: Clutch Control: The clutch should only be used when starting, shifting gears (up or down), or stopping. Avoid pressing the clutch during normal driving. When slowing down slightly in response to road conditions, use the brake only to prevent coasting. Accelerator Control: Before a green light turns red, it will flash several times. Depending on the distance to the intersection and your speed, press the accelerator if you're close and your speed hasn't decreased sufficiently. Straightening and Parking: Upon hearing the instruction, assess the road conditions. If there are no solid lines or you're too close to the intersection, quickly turn on the right signal, check the rearview mirror, brake to reduce speed, and merge. When your position is slightly right of the road center, steer left. As the vehicle's momentum allows it to straighten, press the clutch and align the wheels to park straight.
The so-called sensors in the Subject 3 driving test are essentially devices that detect the vehicle's position, such as the radar points in the parking area during reverse parking. You trigger them by correctly operating the vehicle to score points. When I was taking my driving test, I had no idea how to handle them at first and kept losing points by rushing the reversing process. Later, my instructor taught me to take it slow—keeping the speed in the lowest gear, carefully observing the distance between the car body and the sensors using the rearview and side mirrors, and making tiny adjustments to the steering to ensure the car didn't touch the edges. With enough practice, it became manageable. The key is to stay calm and familiarize yourself with the sensor locations and response times in the practice area before the test. Always prioritize safe driving—every maneuver should be smooth, and rushing won't help. This is crucial for passing the test in one go. My personal tip is to practice repeatedly in an open space with a friend acting as a coach, which builds confidence and helps handle the pressure of the actual test, avoiding unnecessary point deductions.
In the driving test's Subject 3 when dealing with sensors, the key is mastering the spatial awareness of the vehicle, as I've concluded after years of daily driving. The so-called 'touching sensors' simply means parking the car precisely at designated spots to trigger those sensors for completion. It's advisable to start with basic skills: maintain a steady, slow speed, monitor the car's position via rearview mirrors, and make slight steering adjustments. During the test, avoid driving too aggressively—excessive speed might cause sensor misjudgment. Also, pay attention to the vehicle's entirety; no protruding parts should get too close to the sensors. Regularly practice in open areas, simulating test conditions to familiarize yourself with different sensor types. This not only improves technique but also boosts practical confidence, effectively reducing test anxiety. The ultimate goal is cultivating safe driving habits, not just passing the test.
