Should I Shift to First Gear for Pulling Over in Driving Test Part 3?
3 Answers
There are no specific gear requirements for this task, but using first gear can facilitate the operation. After hearing the voice command to pull over, apply the brake to decelerate and gradually shift down to first gear. Then, control the speed by depressing the clutch (similar to the Driving Test Part 2, where you drive in first gear without pressing the accelerator, controlling speed solely through clutch modulation). Additional information about Driving Test Part 3 includes: 1. Road Driving Skills Test: vehicle preparation, starting, gear shifting operations, etc.; examination content for other license categories is determined by provincial traffic management authorities. 2. Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test: requirements for safe driving operations, knowledge of driving under adverse weather and complex road conditions, etc.
When learning to drive for the road test (Subject 3), my instructor repeatedly emphasized that I must shift to first gear before pulling over to park. He explained that stopping directly in a high gear could easily cause the car to stall or jerk, which would result in major point deductions during the exam. During practice, I found that shifting to first gear allows the speed to drop to an extremely low level, making it easier to precisely control the parking position near the curb. The steps are: first turn on the right indicator, slow down to about 10km/h, shift into first gear, then gradually steer toward the roadside and apply the brakes to stop smoothly. This operation ensures the car comes to a stable halt within 30cm of the curb. Skipping the gear shift and stopping directly may cause the car to hit the curb or roll, posing significant safety risks. Even after getting my license, I’ve maintained this habit—it enhances control and safety when parking.
Having driven for over a decade, I consider downshifting to first gear when pulling over as a fundamental skill. First gear allows for precise speed control, preventing stalling caused by sudden braking. The driving test (Section 3) requires smooth stops at exact distances, where first gear helps minimize speed fluctuations. The procedure involves slowing to crawling speed, shifting to first gear, then fine-tuning the parking position. This not only addresses test scoring points but also prevents vehicle rollback on slopes or slippery roads. Even in daily scenarios like traffic congestion or roadside obstacles, low gears enable accurate parking. Developing this habit has enhanced my driving confidence and fluidity.
