Is there a time limit for pulling over in Subject 3?
3 Answers
After the examiner issues the command to pull over, the examinee should complete the maneuver within 80 meters. There is no specific time limit, but considering the vehicle speed and the requirement not to stall, the parking process should generally be completed within two to three minutes at most. Difficulties in Subject 3 exam: 1. Speed and gear mismatch: Errors such as high gear at low speed or low gear at high speed should be avoided during the test. Before shifting gears, ensure the speed is adjusted to match the intended gear. During driving, glance at the speedometer every eight seconds to prevent such mistakes. 2. Deviating from straight-line driving: Many examinees deliberately slow down due to concerns about not driving in a straight line, which is not advisable. This actually increases the likelihood of the vehicle deviating from its intended path, so maintain a reasonable and steady speed. 3. Incorrect pulling over: The Subject 3 exam clearly requires that the distance from the curb when pulling over should not exceed 30cm. However, this distance is difficult for many examinees to judge, often resulting in parking too far from the curb.
Regarding whether there is a time limit for pulling over in Subject 3 of the driving test, based on my experience helping friends prepare, there actually is, but it’s not as strictly timed as some might think. During the test, the examiner mainly evaluates whether you can pull over quickly yet safely within the required steps, typically expecting the entire operation to be completed within about 30 seconds after activating the turn signal. If it takes too long—say, over a minute without success—the examiner will deduct points because this could obstruct traffic or indicate poor control. I recommend that beginners practice parking alignment more, aiming to stay within 30 cm of the curb while maintaining a steady speed—not too fast or too slow, as safety comes first. Remember, the focus of the test isn’t rushing but proving you can operate efficiently in real-road conditions. Simulating real-life scenarios in practice will boost your confidence in handling exam pressure.
I believe the time limit for the parallel parking in Subject 3 is more about safety considerations rather than a rigid timing rule. During the test, the examiner won’t count exact seconds with a stopwatch, but if you take too long—like slowly reversing or hesitating—you’ll lose points for inadequate skills. The main reason is that prolonged parking in real driving can easily cause rear-end collisions or disrupt traffic flow, so quick starts and smooth stops are required. Having taken the test myself, I focused on practicing precise low-speed parking. My advice is to first master turn signal timing, then improve speed through regular practice—aiming for under 15 seconds is key. This not only helps pass the test but also builds safe habits. Time management here balances efficiency and safety.
