Is it acceptable to shift to second gear at 25 km/h during the driving test?
2 Answers
During the test, it is acceptable to shift to second gear at 25 km/h. Below are specific details about the driving test: 1. Gear shifting timing: During the gear shifting operation in the driving test, after shifting to neutral, wait for 0.5-1 second before shifting to another gear. There is no specific requirement for the duration of staying in each gear during the gear shifting operation. Upon hearing the gear shifting instruction, complete the gear shift within 5 seconds. The 0.5-1 second pause in neutral is mainly to prevent the machine from failing to detect the shift due to shifting too quickly, which could result in penalties for not following the procedure. 2. Precautions: Even though shifting from first gear to second gear in the driving test can be done by directly pulling down, it is not recommended to do so because there is a risk of failing to engage the gear or engaging the wrong gear. To pass smoothly, it is best not to take shortcuts.
In the driving test (Section 3), there are specific considerations for manual transmission gear shifting speeds. Shifting to second gear at 25 km/h isn't completely unreasonable from an examination standard perspective, but it's slightly on the high side. Most driving schools recommend shifting to second gear between 15-20 km/h, as 25 km/h might cause the engine RPM to be either too high or too low, potentially leading to jerky movements or even stalling. Examiners pay close attention to smooth operations – the shift from first to second gear must be quick, precise, and steady. If you wait until reaching 25 km/h to shift, it may be interpreted as hesitation or improper gear matching, resulting in point deductions. I always remind students to prepare for the shift when accelerating to around 15 km/h after starting, without delaying too long. The key is to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's feel during practice, using engine sound as a reference, so you won't panic during the test. Weather or road conditions also affect performance – extra caution is needed against skidding during rain. In summary, shifting at 25 km/h won't necessarily cause failure, but 15-20 km/h is much safer. Following your instructor's guidance is always the right approach.
