Must I Book the Driving Test Before Practicing for Subject 3?
4 Answers
Yes. Here are the key details for the Subject 3 test: 1. Familiarize yourself with the lights: More than half of the tasks in Subject 3 require the use of lights. Develop the habit of using turn signals; whenever there is a change in direction, signal must be used, and wait for 3 seconds after the light is on before turning the steering wheel. 2. Slow down: Subject 3 underwent a reform in recent years, after which voice prompts for crosswalks, intersections, bus stops, and schools were removed. Students must observe traffic signs on the roadside and apply the brakes to slow down within 30 meters of these areas, otherwise they will fail the test. 3. Master gear shifting: Students unfamiliar with gear positions tend to look down when shifting gears, which is strictly prohibited in Subject 3. If unsure of the current gear, place your hand on the gear lever and determine the gear based on memory. When shifting gears, the clutch must be fully depressed, gear skipping is not allowed, and coasting in neutral is prohibited.
I remember when I was learning to drive, the instructor always emphasized that I had to practice well before scheduling the exam. The road test for Subject 3 is no joke. You need to repeatedly practice starting, turning, and parking in the driving school's training area. Only when you're proficient in various road conditions will the instructor help you arrange the exam time. If you rush to schedule the exam first and fail, you'll have to spend more money to retake it and waste energy. I think this process is quite reasonable—more practice helps form muscle memory, making driving steadier and reducing mistakes. Usually, follow the instructor to run through simulated exam routes, familiarize yourself with the test center and traffic signals, so you can be more relaxed during the actual exam. The key is to practice more and rush less, safety first—don’t overlook details just to speed up progress.
As a beginner just starting to learn driving, I was also worried about whether I needed to schedule the test before practicing for Subject 3. After consulting my coach, I learned that it's generally better to practice first and then schedule the test, otherwise the pressure of the exam can easily lead to failure. I recommend setting aside plenty of time to practice after enrollment. The driving school will arrange the test based on your progress. I saw someone in the group chat who tried scheduling the test directly without enough practice and failed, which not only required re-registration but also disrupted their work. Actually, the key to Subject 3 is developing good driving habits and adaptability. Practicing more helps you memorize the curves and lane-changing rules of the test route. Taking it slow is safer—don’t let the exam dictate your practice pace.
As a parent accompanying my child in learning to drive, I believe it's essential to practice diligently before considering scheduling the test. Children lack driving experience, and taking the test rashly is too dangerous—what if they make a mistake due to unfamiliarity with the controls? I've noticed that driving schools only enroll children for the test after they've fully mastered steering, reversing, and maintaining safe distances. Practice helps develop reaction speed, and after scheduling the test, intensive training is necessary, but don't put the cart before the horse. Offer your child more encouragement, ensure they take breaks and receive feedback during practice, and build a solid foundation before taking the test for greater peace of mind. Safety should always come first—don't take risks to save time.
