Should the clutch be released slowly or quickly during gear shifting in Subject 3?
3 Answers
In Subject 3, the clutch should be pressed quickly and released slowly. Here are specific details about Subject 3: Exam Rules: The Subject 3 exam cannot be taken more than 5 times; otherwise, you must start over from the beginning. For C1 and C2 driver's license tests, each subject has five exam scheduling opportunities. If you fail during the exam, you will have one immediate retake opportunity. Passing the retake is equivalent to passing the current exam. Exam Content: The road driving skills test for Subject 3 generally includes: vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, driving straight, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over, going 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 night driving.
When teaching someone to get a driver's license, I have to emphasize that you must release the clutch pedal slowly when shifting gears, not abruptly. This is because the engine and wheel speeds need to synchronize. If done too quickly, the car will suddenly jerk or even stall, which would result in major point deductions during the driving test (Subject 3). I remember when I used to coach students, I taught them to first press the clutch, shift gears, then lightly press the accelerator, and slowly release the clutch until the transition is smooth. During this process, you need to feel the engine speed matching the vehicle speed. With enough practice, it becomes second nature. If you release the clutch too hastily, causing the car to lurch forward or roll backward, the examiner will definitely fail you. So, during regular practice, focus on this action—mastering it will make driving much safer and steadier.
When I was taking the driving test for Subject 3, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that releasing the clutch must be done slowly. At first, I didn't understand and tried releasing it quickly, which caused the car to jerk and stall, earning me a loud scolding. Later, I learned my lesson: after shifting gears, I would first gently press the accelerator to stabilize the RPM, then slowly release the clutch, making the transition incredibly smooth. I even used this method to pass the test! I realized that releasing the clutch too quickly makes the car unstable, affecting the entire starting or shifting process. Now, driving my own car, I've gotten used to this rhythm: shift gears, slowly release the clutch while coordinating with the accelerator, making the drive as smooth as silk. Never rush it—slow and steady ensures better speed control and safer driving.
