Is it normal to fail the first attempt at Subject 3?
3 Answers
Failing the first attempt at Subject 3 is a normal situation. You can simply register again. There are no limits on the number of attempts for Subject 1. Below is a detailed introduction about the Subject 3 test: Test content: The road driving skills test for Subject 3 generally includes preparation before getting on the car, simulated lighting test, starting, driving straight, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting other vehicles, etc. Deduction criteria: Not fastening the seat belt or wearing a helmet as required, not being able to correctly use vehicle operating components such as lights or wipers, or having a distance behind the vehicle greater than 750px when starting will result in an immediate deduction of 100 points.
Totally normal! I've been a driving instructor for ten years, and the first-time failure rate for the road test is consistently above 40%. Last year, out of 10 students I coached, 4 failed their first attempt at Test 3. Why so tough? Examiners are extremely strict on details like the timing of checking mirrors during curb parking and the allowable steering wheel vibration range during straight-line driving. Another major issue is the difference in clutch pedal height between test cars and training vehicles, causing countless stalls. The most frustrating cases are students who turn without signaling for a full 3 seconds - the system instantly deducts 100 points. My advice: next time, ask the test administrator to let you test the clutch pedal beforehand, and request proper mirror adjustment before starting. Remember, failing doesn't mean poor skills - it's often just lack of test environment experience.
So typical! Last summer, I accompanied my cousin for his driving test (Subject 3). He had practiced extensively beforehand, yet failed right at the start—forgot to check the rearview mirror. Later we learned the test center had newly installed millimeter-wave radars that would automatically fail candidates if their head rotation was less than 5°. There are even more frustrating cases: one test-taker was crossing an intersection on green light when a food delivery e-bike suddenly dashed out, and the system failed him for "insufficient observation." My advice: before retaking the test, definitely do mock exams at the actual test center—run each route at least three times. Pay special attention to school zone and bus stop signs, as most are installed under tree shades and easily overlooked. Remember to bring oil-absorbing sheets to wipe fingerprints—sweaty palms can trigger false readings from the steering wheel sensors.
