On which road section should gear 4 be engaged in Subject 3?
4 Answers
Gear 4 is generally used on straight roads, and then reduced to gear 3. Before shifting up to gear 4, the speed must be increased to 35 km/h to engage gear 4. The specific details are as follows: 1. Gear selection is related to speed: The gear selection of a manual transmission car is related to the speed. Gear 1 is used for starting from a stop, gear 2 is for speeds above 10 km/h but not exceeding 30 km/h; gear 3 is for 20-40 km/h; gear 4 is for 30-50 km/h, and gear 5 is for speeds above 40 km/h. 2. Gear must match speed: The gear must match the speed; if not, the engine will vibrate. When starting, if there are no obstacles, shift continuously from gears 1 to 3. As long as the car's speed increases, shift up as much as possible. Listen to the engine sound; if the sound becomes sharp, it indicates the RPM is increasing, and you should shift up in time to avoid damaging the parts.
When taking the driving test for Subject 3, the sections where you shift to fourth gear are typically those with fewer vehicles, straight roads, and wide lanes. During my practice sessions, I paid special attention to the speedometer. Generally, the most suitable time to upshift is when the speed reaches 40 to 50 km/h, such as on urban main roads, the entrance to ring expressways, or the straight acceleration zones of the test track. The road surface should be smooth, avoiding curves, uphill or downhill sections, or areas with many pedestrians to prevent fumbling and potential accidents. The technique involves gently pressing the accelerator to increase speed, then smoothly pushing the gear lever once the RPM rises, avoiding sudden braking or aggressive acceleration. I remember during the test, I shifted to fourth gear on a straight stretch, and the examiner praised my steadiness—it’s mainly about practicing enough to get familiar with the feel of the speed and avoiding mistakes under pressure. Overall, this maneuver tests your judgment in gear shifting and safe driving.
Shifting to fourth gear is quite common in the Subject 3 driving test. As a frequent coaching companion, I recommend doing it mainly on steady road sections where the speed reaches around 40 km/h, such as straight urban road segments or highway simulation zones. The key points are ensuring a clear field of vision with no distractions, maintaining steady throttle acceleration first, and avoiding gear shifts during turns or emergency braking. In practice, many trainees mistakenly attempt this at intersections or steep slopes, which can easily lead to stalling and point deductions. Examiners will evaluate your speed-gear matching, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with engine RPM sounds during regular practice—don't rely solely on visual dashboard checks. Safety first: choosing wide, straight road surfaces reduces risks and enhances smoothness. I suggest finding a safe zone for practice during every mock exam; accumulating experience this way will prevent mistakes in actual tests.
For shifting to fourth gear in Subject 3, the vehicle speed should generally reach 40 km/h, which is most suitable on flat straight roads, such as wide urban streets or designated straight sections of the test route. Avoid shifting gears recklessly during rainy days or on curves, as it can easily lead to skidding and accidents. The operation should be quick and steady—after pressing the accelerator to speed up, push the gear lever gently without using excessive force. During practice, I noticed a few key points: choose roads with less traffic to minimize distractions, as a single mistake could mean retaking the test. In short, memorize the locations and drive a few more laps to get the hang of it.
