Must the clutch be pressed when braking to decelerate in Subject Three?

[MadelineMarie]

Subject Three requires pressing the clutch when braking. The requirements for vehicle speed are relatively high, and it generally involves high-speed driving. The higher the speed, the greater the inertia. If the clutch is pressed first, the vehicle's inertia will be even greater, potentially leading to the dangerous situation of coasting in neutral. Therefore, when decelerating at high speeds, you should first apply the brake to reduce the speed to a certain level, then press the clutch to downshift and further reduce the speed. The road driving skills test for Subject Three generally includes: 1. Contents: Vehicle preparation, simulated lighting test, starting, driving straight, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over, driving straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. 2. Time: Starting from June 1, 2021, the interval for scheduling the Subject Three test was adjusted from 30 days after passing Subject One to 20 days. For those applying for a medium or large passenger or truck driver's license, the interval for scheduling the Subject Three test was adjusted from 40 days after passing Subject One to 30 days.

[DiMargaret]

When I was practicing for the driving test (Subject 3), my instructor always emphasized that I must press the clutch when braking to slow down, otherwise the car would stall and I’d fail the test—which is no small matter. Remember, in a manual transmission car, pressing the clutch while decelerating cuts off engine power, preventing the RPM from dropping too low and stalling, especially at low speeds or before coming to a complete stop. In real driving, slight deceleration might not require it, but during the test, you need to be flawless—the examiner is watching your operational precision. Practice coordinating your feet: left foot on the clutch, right foot gently braking, to pass safely. Develop this habit in daily driving to avoid panic in critical moments, boosting both your driving confidence and test score.

[DeJanelle]

Having driven manual transmission cars for many years, I understand the crucial role of the clutch in deceleration. The engine and wheels need to be coordinated. When braking, the vehicle speed decreases. If the engine RPM doesn't drop quickly enough, the wheels can drag the engine, causing a stall. The driving test (Subject 3) requires smooth operation - using the clutch acts as a safety measure, especially when slowing below 10km/h. Don't listen to those who say you can skip it - the risk is too great. Just one stall can cost significant points and affect overall performance. I recommend beginners practice simulating real road conditions to reinforce this essential habit.

[LaAustin]

As someone with extensive driver training experience, I emphasize that pressing the clutch when decelerating is a fundamental safety practice. It maintains vehicle control, prevents sudden stalling that could lead to loss of control, and is directly evaluated as an operational error in the Subject 3 driving test. In practical driving, combining clutch operation with steady deceleration—especially before descending slopes or emergency braking—helps maintain power balance. Beginners must prioritize this technique and develop it as a habitual action to ensure driving safety.