Is there a distance and time limit for gear shifting in Subject 3?
3 Answers
In Subject 3, the time limit for gear shifting is one minute and thirty seconds; the driving distance using first and second gears cannot exceed 500 meters. The timing for gear shifting in Subject 3 is introduced as follows: 1. Upshifting timing: When the engine has ample power, it will emit a dull "humming" sound. After upshifting, if there is no power shortage or shaking of the transmission mechanism, and the vehicle speed increases quickly with smooth and natural driving, it indicates accurate upshifting timing. 2. Downshifting timing: When the vehicle speed and engine RPM continue to drop, and you feel the car losing power with the engine compartment starting to shake, it's time to downshift one gear. If downshifting is too early, a noticeable jerk will occur, wasting the car's power and affecting the lifespan of the engine and transmission. If downshifting is too late, even after downshifting, there will still be insufficient power, and continuing to downshift will still feel jerky. Misjudging the shifting timing will lead to such "irreversible" consequences, and the driving experience will definitely be affected.
During the third driving test's gear shifting exercise, there is no strict distance or time limit, but the examiner will score based on smoothness and safety. My instructor always emphasized during practice that gear changes should be completed quickly without delay—taking too long may appear hesitant and result in point deductions, while being too quick might cause unsteady shifting and vehicle shuddering. It's generally recommended to shift gears during uniform acceleration on straight road sections, ideally completing it within 2-3 seconds while maintaining a distance of several dozen meters. Repeatedly practice under simulated test conditions, focusing not just on memorizing numbers but also on controlling speed and road conditions. With enough practice like mine, it will naturally become smooth.
As an experienced person, I suggest not obsessing over distance or time indicators during the Grade 3 gear shifting operation, but the examiner focuses on overall coordination. Shifting too slowly, exceeding 5 seconds, may affect traffic flow, while shifting in less than 1 second is prone to errors. During practice, simulate real conditions, such as decisively shifting gears when accelerating to around 40 mph. Pay more attention to the feel, ensuring the examiner doesn't perceive you as unfamiliar. Safety always comes first, and good time management can reflect confidence.
