Should the clutch be released slowly or quickly when shifting gears in Subject Three?
4 Answers
Subject Three gear shifting requires slowly releasing the clutch. Below are some tips for the Subject Three driving test: 1. Follow the voice prompts: Listen carefully to the voice instructions during Subject Three and act accordingly. Remember not to perform any operations before the voice prompt ends; always wait until the announcement is complete before proceeding to the next step. 2. Pay attention to special zones: In many areas, the voice prompts no longer remind candidates about special zones such as school areas, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings. However, candidates must perform corresponding deceleration or yielding operations based on the project signs and road markings. For school zones, apply the brakes within 10 meters of the sign, keeping the speed below 30km/h. For bus stops, apply the brakes within 10 meters of the sign, maintaining a speed below 30km/h. For pedestrian crossings, decelerate by applying the brakes within 30 meters before the crossing, and stop to yield if pedestrians are crossing.
I just got my driver's license not long ago, and the process of taking the third road test was quite challenging. The instructor kept emphasizing that when shifting gears, the clutch must be released slowly to be reliable. If you release it too quickly, the car tends to jerk or even stall, and the examiner would immediately spot the issue and deduct points. During practice, I tried rushing it a few times, and as a result, I often got a tap on the head from the instructor when starting or upshifting (like from second to third gear). Later, I finally grasped the key point: release the clutch to the semi-engagement point—when the engine sound becomes deeper and the car slightly moves—pause for half a second, then release it evenly and completely. This way, gear shifts are smooth and stable, making it easier to pass the test without harming the car. The same applies to daily driving; releasing the clutch slowly is safer and helps prevent rear-end collisions, especially in traffic jams or when climbing hills, where coordinating the throttle is even more crucial. I recommend that beginners find an open area to practice multiple times—getting a feel for it is much better than rote memorization.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and am quite familiar with manual transmissions. When shifting gears, you must release the clutch slowly—there’s no room for carelessness. In my early days of driving, I occasionally released the clutch too quickly, causing the car to jerk as if it were falling apart. Not only did this wear out the transmission, but it was also dangerous, and during exams, the examiner would immediately fail you for it. The third driving test evaluates this fundamental skill: starting or upshifting must be smooth. When releasing the clutch, find the bite point (where you feel and hear the engine engage), pause slightly before fully releasing, and gently press the accelerator—all in one fluid motion. Rushing the clutch release offers no benefit; stalling or sudden acceleration on the road spells trouble. Driving on mountain roads or in rainy conditions requires extra caution—poor clutch control can lead to rolling back or wheel spin. Simply put, taking it slow is the key to safety.
Over the years as an instructor, I've taught countless students, and for gear shifting in Subject 3, you must release the clutch slowly. Letting go too quickly can cause the car to jerk forward or stall, and there's no leniency for this in the exam. The correct method is: release the clutch at a steady speed, pause at the half-engagement point (when you feel the car slightly move and the RPM drops) to balance the power, then complete the action by fully releasing. This is especially crucial when starting or shifting from first to second gear—any haste will reveal flaws. Practicing to develop a feel is key; beginners often make the mistake of rushing the acceleration, but a smooth transition is both fuel-efficient and protects the car. The exam focuses on operational safety, and I recommend simulating the training three to five times to get the hang of it.
