Should You Downshift to First Gear When Pulling Over?
2 Answers
During the Road Test (Subject Three), it is necessary to downshift to first gear when pulling over. The deceleration process must involve sequential downshifting until reaching first gear before coming to a complete stop. Below are relevant details: 1. Subject Three: Subject Three, which includes the road driving skills test and the safety-conscious driving knowledge test, constitutes a part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. It is the abbreviated term for the road driving skills and safety-conscious driving knowledge test in motor vehicle driver examinations. The content of the road driving skills test varies depending on the type of vehicle license being pursued. 2. Pulling Over: Pulling over is a clearly defined assessment item in the road test, requiring the examinee to maneuver the vehicle to a stop by the roadside.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission, I often struggled with whether to downshift to first gear when pulling over. Later, under the guidance of my driving instructor, I understood: on flat roads, you can simply shift to neutral for convenience, but if the road has a slight slope or there's a risk of rolling, downshifting to first gear can use engine braking to stabilize and stop the car, preventing rollaway accidents. Once, I parked on a slope in my neighborhood without downshifting, and the car gently slid, almost hitting the neighboring car. It scared me so much that I never dared to be lazy again. Now I've developed the habit of shifting to first gear before stopping after slowing down, and using the handbrake for added safety. With an automatic transmission car, you don't have to worry about this—just brake directly. This small thing might seem unnecessary, but with a bit more practice, it becomes second nature for beginners, enhancing driving confidence.
