Must downshifting be done gear by gear?
3 Answers
During the deceleration and downshifting process in the Subject 3 driving test, it is necessary to downshift gradually gear by gear, and direct gear-skipping downshifts are not allowed. Otherwise, there may be a mismatch between speed and gear. Key challenges in the Subject 3 test: 1. Speed and gear mismatch: Before shifting gears, it is essential to adjust the speed to match the target gear, and then proceed with the shift. 2. Deviation in straight-line driving: Many learners intentionally slow down due to concerns about not driving in a straight line, which is not advisable. Doing so actually increases the likelihood of the vehicle deviating from its intended path. Therefore, maintaining a reasonable and steady speed is recommended. 3. Parking more than 30cm from the curb: The Subject 3 test explicitly requires that the distance between the parked vehicle and the curb should not exceed 30cm. However, this distance is difficult for learners to judge, and many end up parking too far from the curb. Hence, special attention is needed for this aspect.
When I first started learning to drive a manual transmission car, I was always reminded to downshift one gear at a time because it's safer and more stable. If you don't do it step by step, such as shifting directly from a high gear to a low gear, the car body tends to shake or even stall, which is especially dangerous when going uphill or turning. As a beginner, I got used to operating slowly when decelerating, for example, shifting from 5th gear to 4th and then to 3rd, allowing the engine to transition smoothly and avoid jerking. With more experience, I now occasionally skip intermediate gears, but only after ensuring the speed has dropped sufficiently and the engine RPM matches properly. Skip-shifting techniques aren't essential; in basic driving, downshifting one gear at a time is more reliable and helps prolong transmission life. Overall, safety comes first, and practice makes perfect with gradual learning.
I frequently attend driving training and find that skip downshifting is actually quite practical—you don't always need to downshift gear by gear. For instance, when accelerating to overtake, I can directly shift from 4th gear to 2nd gear to gain stronger power, which saves time and is efficient. The key lies in matching the RPM: slightly press the accelerator before releasing the clutch to align the engine speed with the vehicle speed, avoiding jerks or mechanical damage. In daily driving, I've practiced this many times and now it feels natural—if the speed is low, like in slow city traffic, downshifting gear by gear is fine; on highways, I freely skip gears to control the rhythm. However, beginners should master the basic techniques before attempting this, as safety always comes first. The engine design inherently allows this flexibility, and with more practice, you can truly appreciate the fun of it.
