Must You Stop in First Gear for Subject Three?
2 Answers
You don't have to stop in first gear; second, third, or fourth gear are also acceptable as long as you're within 30 centimeters of the roadside. Note that coasting in neutral is not allowed. Key challenges in the Subject Three test: 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, then proceed with the shift. During driving, glance at the speedometer every eight seconds to prevent such mistakes. 2. Parking more than 30cm from the curb: The Subject Three test explicitly requires that the parking distance from the curb should not exceed 30cm. 3. Deviating from straight-line driving: Many learners intentionally slow down due to concerns about not driving in a straight line, which is not advisable. This can actually increase the likelihood of the vehicle deviating from its intended path, so maintaining a reasonable and steady speed is recommended.
In the driving test (Subject 3), it's indeed necessary to use first gear when stopping. Having taught driving for so many years, I've always emphasized this point. First gear helps you precisely control the vehicle speed, preventing stalling or rolling, which is a crucial scoring point in the exam. If you don't use first gear, the examiner can easily deduct points due to unsteady operation. The same principle applies to actual road parking - first gear makes starting and stopping safer, reducing accident risks. Beginners often overlook this detail, but developing this habit will make driving smoother. Remember, the test requires all stopping maneuvers to be done in first gear, including roadside parking and reverse parking - don't cut corners by using other gears.
