Is it a violation for a student to talk during the Subject 3 driving test?
4 Answers
There is no explicit rule prohibiting students from talking during the Subject 3 driving test, but it does not guarantee 100% success. Below are details about common mistakes made during the Subject 3 test: 1. Unfamiliarity with the test route: Due to various reasons, students are usually not very familiar with the test route, which may cause anxiety. In reality, most Subject 3 test routes consist of three possible paths. Trying to memorize the route while focusing on driving skills is not very useful and may even hinder performance. 2. Turning signal activated for less than 3 seconds: During the right-turn assessment at intersections, students must activate the right-turn signal for at least 3 seconds before turning. Some students turn immediately after activating the signal without waiting for 3 seconds. In real driving situations, if the vehicle behind is following closely and the front vehicle slows down to turn without proper signal indication, a collision may occur. The same applies to left turns. Additionally, when making a U-turn, students should first activate the left-turn signal, then brake smoothly to reduce speed before turning. Many students lose points because they start the U-turn before the signal has been active for 3 seconds or because they brake abruptly. 3. Gear and speed mismatch: The gear-shifting operation is another common point of failure in the Subject 3 test. Students must understand which gear corresponds to which speed. Many students remember to brake when passing intersections or school zones but forget to downshift, causing the vehicle to jerk severely, which leads to test failure. 4. Right-turn signal not kept on during roadside parking: When pulling over, students must keep the right-turn signal on until the maneuver is complete. Many students lose points because the signal turns off automatically, yet they continue to park. Additionally, some students make the mistake of unbuckling their seatbelt prematurely before the onboard computer confirms the test has ended, leading to last-minute errors.
Having worked at a driving school for many years, I've coached numerous students for the Road Test (Section 3). According to regulations, examinees must maintain full focus on driving tasks throughout the test. While speaking during the exam isn't necessarily an explicit violation, examiners strictly evaluate whether candidates operate the vehicle independently and safely. If you talk while driving—especially engaging in non-essential communication like asking for directions or casual chatting—it can easily be interpreted as distracted driving or reliance on external prompts, leading to point deductions or even failure. For instance, last time a student tried chatting with the examiner to ease nerves but was directly failed for unsafe behavior. During training, I always emphasize developing the habit of only following instructions without speaking, concentrating fully on road conditions and operational details—this is key to passing. The core of obtaining a driver's license is proving your ability to drive safely; even small talk can have major consequences.
I just finished my driving test (Subject 3). I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. During the test, I casually asked the examiner if my direction was correct, and he immediately sternly reminded me not to speak as it could be distracting. Later, during a chat, I learned that while the rules don't explicitly prohibit talking, in practice, examiners expect you to operate completely independently. If you talk too much, it might be noted as a lack of concentration affecting the safety evaluation, leading to point deductions. Throughout the test, I only responded to necessary instructions and kept quiet the rest of the time. From my personal experience, staying silent and focused is the best strategy. Save any chatting for after the test to avoid unexpected risks. After all, each test attempt is precious, so more practice is advisable.
During road tests, I always pay attention to the behavior of the students. I take note when they talk, especially about irrelevant topics, as it indicates a tendency to be distracted. The rules require students to independently control the vehicle without being disturbed by conversation, which itself is a potential risk point. For example, confirming instructions is allowed, but excessive chatter is considered a sign of distracted attention and may be deemed unsafe, even leading to termination of the test. During daily training, students should develop the habit of minimizing conversation and focusing solely on the driving task.
