Is Light Braking Required in School Zones for Subject Three?
3 Answers
Light braking is required in school zones for Subject Three. Similar to bus stops, the vehicle speed must be below 30 km/h when passing through, and light braking should be applied to slow down. If encountering situations like students crossing the road after school, the vehicle must stop and wait. Key locations requiring light braking in Subject Three: 1. Straight through intersections: Due to complex conditions at intersections, there may be vehicles or pedestrians passing. Learners should apply light braking in advance to reduce speed, keeping it below 30 km/h. Even if the light is green with no obstacles or pedestrians, light braking is mandatory. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification. 2. Left or right turns: Regardless of the direction, turn signals must be activated in advance, followed by deceleration (some learners may already be driving slowly but should still apply light braking before turning). 3. Bus stops: Passing bus stops usually comes with voice prompts. If not, pay attention to roadside signs and apply light braking to pass slowly. 4. Pedestrian crossings: Learners must apply light braking to slow down when passing pedestrian crossings. If pedestrians are crossing, the vehicle must stop and wait, ensuring it does not stop on the crossing. Avoid rushing or honking, as such behavior will lead to disqualification. 5. School zones: Similar to bus stops, the speed must be below 30 km/h, and light braking is required to slow down. If students are crossing, stop and wait. 6. U-turns: Deceleration is mandatory during U-turns, shifting to lower gears (1st or 2nd) if necessary. Failing to slow down will result in poor vehicle stability. 7. Oncoming vehicles: Learners must decelerate when encountering oncoming vehicles. The system usually provides instructions; even if no vehicle is present, follow the procedure and decelerate upon hearing the instruction.
During my driving test for Subject 3, my coach specifically trained me on deceleration techniques in school zones, usually requiring slowing down to below 30 kilometers per hour. Light braking can help smoothly control the speed, but the key is not necessarily light braking but ensuring the speed is sufficiently reduced. During the test, the examiner focused on checking whether the speedometer showed a speed below the limit, whether I looked for school signs in advance, and whether I observed any children crossing the road. I remember on the day of the test, I used light braking to slow down, and the examiner didn’t deduct points because my speed control was good. In terms of safety, school zones are accident-prone areas, so developing the habit of slowing down is not just for passing the test but also for protecting pedestrians. The coach said, driving slowly is better than anything else.
I've trained many driving school students, and in school zones during the Subject 3 test, it's absolutely necessary to slow down to around 30km/h. Light braking is a common technique to help gradually reduce speed. The test evaluates whether deceleration is timely and safety observations are comprehensive - light braking is just one option, not mandatory. I advise students to spot signs 50 meters ahead, slow down, and scan for pedestrians at intersections. If light braking works well, use it once, but the key is reaching the required speed. In actual instruction, school zones are high-risk areas where slowing down prevents sudden stops and accidents. Remember, safe driving is fundamental.
