Should You Apply Brakes When Meeting Another Vehicle in Subject 3?
2 Answers
Meeting another vehicle requires applying brakes. There are 7 instances in Subject 3 where you need to apply brakes (passing through intersections, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, school zones, left/right turns, U-turns, and meeting vehicles), which includes meeting another vehicle. The steps for meeting another vehicle in Subject 3 can be summarized as: look, assess, and slow down. 1. Look: Carefully observe the oncoming vehicle's model, speed, and load; the width and condition of the road; pedestrians, vehicles, and obstacles on the roadside; whether there are other vehicles coming from the opposite direction or behind that might overtake. 2. Assess: Based on the distance and speed of the two vehicles, estimate the approximate meeting point and control your vehicle's speed to choose a suitable location. A suitable meeting location should be: a) where the road is wider; if the road width is limited, choose a spot where both vehicles can safely pass; b) where there are no obstacles on the right front of both vehicles. 3. Slow down: Reduce speed when conditions are unfavorable as you approach the meeting point. Do not proceed blindly; if necessary, stop first to ensure a smooth meeting.
Seeing this question reminds me that meeting oncoming traffic is a key point in the Subject 3 driving test. The focus isn't necessarily on whether you must tap the brakes, but rather on judging safety based on the specific situation. When the speed is high and the distance is close, the examiner will definitely notice if you show any intention to slow down. Tapping the brakes demonstrates that you're proactively controlling your speed to avoid danger. However, on slow roads or when there's sufficient space, maintaining a steady speed is enough. During training, I always emphasize focusing on overall speed control and observation: check mirrors early, signal with lights, and leave a safe space. Points are often deducted when beginners panic upon encountering another vehicle, accelerating instead of slowing down. In actual driving, tapping the brakes is a good habit—don't wait for an accident to regret it. The key is to practice more in simulated real scenarios; being well-prepared makes passing the test much easier.
