Is the Automatic Transmission Subject Three Much Easier?
4 Answers
In terms of exam difficulty, there is no difference between manual and automatic transmission for Subject One and Subject Four theoretical tests—the items are the same. However, for the Subject Three driving test, the automatic transmission is simpler than the manual transmission because it eliminates the need for frequent gear shifting and clutch pedal operation, making it easier for beginners to learn. The content of the automatic transmission Subject Three test is introduced as follows: 1. Introduction One: The exam process for automatic transmission is the same as for manual transmission, consisting of 16 items. 2. Introduction Two: These include preparation before starting, starting off, driving straight, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting other vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, driving at night, and pulling over.
Just a couple of days ago, I was still coaching students for their Level 3 driving test. Driving an automatic does make things easier for both hands and feet—at least you don’t have to constantly think about the clutch with your left foot or worry about fumbling with gear shifts. However, even though the two major challenges of clutch control and shifting are gone, other details are just as strict. For instance, pulling over requires stopping within 30 centimeters—any less and you fail; drifting slightly off course during straight-line driving triggers an immediate system alert; and for the simulated light test, one wrong move means an instant zero. Among my students, those driving automatics often get careless and end up failing on minor mistakes like forgetting to signal when changing lanes. So don’t think you can breeze through Level 3 with an automatic—every step of the process still matters.
A friend who has taken both manual and automatic transmission driving tests told me that automatics are indeed more hassle-free. During his first manual test, he stalled three times on a hill start. After switching to an automatic, he just kept his foot on the accelerator during climbs and never worried about power interruption again. Interestingly, he mentioned that automatic tests actually test observation skills more. Without gear-shifting to distract, the examiner pays closer attention to your mirror-checking movements, whether turn signals are activated decisively three seconds in advance, and if head movements at intersections are pronounced enough. He once wasted an attempt because the camera didn't capture sufficient head movement when slowing down before a crosswalk.
As someone who has spent five years at the training ground, I've observed that automatic transmission trainees tend to get stuck in unexpected situations. For example, stomping the accelerator too hard and speeding when starting at a green light, mistaking the brake for the accelerator and slamming it during reverse parking, and the most frustrating case was a trainee who drove smoothly the entire time but turned off the engine directly without shifting to P after pulling over. While skipping clutch operation and gear shifting does save effort, the scoring system now places more emphasis on safety details. Brake pedal pressure and following distance are monitored by electronic devices, leaving even less room for error compared to human proctoring.
