How to Walk Around the Car in the Driving Test (Subject 3)?
3 Answers
Unfasten the seat belt. Open the car door, get out of the car, and close the door properly. Walk around the car clockwise or counterclockwise for one full circle. Open the car door, get back into the car, fasten the seat belt, and continue with the test.
I remember the walk-around inspection in the driving test (科目三) very clearly, as I almost missed this step and got points deducted. After getting out of the driver's seat and closing the door, start walking counterclockwise around the car—never go clockwise. The first two meters or so are for checking the rear of the car: crouch down to inspect the exhaust pipe and license plate for any dirt or damage. Then walk along the passenger side, paying attention to tire pressure and any scratches on the body. Remove any stones stuck in the tire treads. When you reach the front of the car, bend down to check under the chassis for any small animals, and inspect the headlight covers and license plate cleanliness. Finally, return to the driver's side—only then can you open the door and get in. The whole process takes about 20 seconds, but you must inspect every angle thoroughly, physically touching the car body as if examining it. Just going through the motions will definitely get you stopped by the examiner.
Our instructor emphasizes that the walk-around inspection is like a surgeon washing their hands—not a single step can be careless. Starting from outside the driver's door, move counterclockwise toward the rear of the car. The key is to establish a rhythm: first, look down at the rear of the car for three seconds, mainly to confirm there are no cracks on the bumper and that the license plate is clean; when reaching the right rear wheel, use your fingers to check the tire pressure; when passing the right door, pay special attention to dents—I’ve personally seen candidates fail due to bubbles in the window tint; at the front of the car, pretend to wipe the headlights while actually checking for signs of coolant leakage; before returning to the driver’s door, remember to look up and check for oncoming traffic. Throughout the process, keep your palms lightly touching the car body to simulate real pre-driving inspection habits. The key is not to walk mechanically but to show the examiner that you’re genuinely identifying potential safety hazards.
