Should you enter the car first or walk around it in Subject 3?
4 Answers
In Subject 3, you should walk around the car first before entering. Here are specific details about the driving test: 1. Subjects: The test is conducted in the order of Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4. In the Subject 3 test items, the new regulations circulating online also place more emphasis on the driver's safety and civilized awareness. 2. Retake: For driving test Subjects 2 and 3, you can only take each test five times. If you fail, you will need to repay the driving school fee. According to the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123 and No. 125, if you fail the fifth scheduled test for Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skills, all previously passed subjects will be invalidated. If you want to obtain a driver's license, you will have to re-register and pay the driving school tuition.
I remember when teaching at the driving school, students often asked whether they should get in the car first or walk around it during the Subject 3 test. The standard procedure is to walk around the car first to inspect the surroundings, check if the tires are flat, look for oil stains or obstacles on the ground, and ensure there are no pedestrians or small animals hiding nearby before getting in and starting the car. This is not only a test requirement but also a crucial step in developing safe habits that can prevent many accidents. For example, I once witnessed a candidate who didn’t walk around the car and got in directly, only to fail the test because they didn’t notice a flat tire. It’s actually very simple to do: walk around the car once, gently kick the tires to check the pressure, and glance at the body for scratches or foreign objects—the whole process takes less than half a minute. Developing this habit will give you more peace of mind when driving on your own in the future. The driving test isn’t just about getting a license; it’s about teaching you to protect yourself and others.
Last year when I took the driving test for Subject 3, I was extremely nervous. In the waiting area, I hesitated whether to get in the car first or walk around it for inspection. Eventually, I messed up the sequence and directly opened the door to sit in the driver's seat. The examiner immediately stopped me, saying I failed to check the vehicle surroundings, which resulted in point deductions and nearly caused me to fail. I regretted it so much at that moment. The instructor had repeatedly emphasized that walking around the car to inspect the tires, body, and surrounding environment for safety must be done before getting in. After the test, I realized this wasn't just procedural but a crucial safety skill. What if a child ran behind the car or a tire had a nail that went unnoticed? It could be dangerous while driving. Now, I've developed the habit of walking around the car for a quick check before starting it every time, which gives me much more peace of mind. The lesson from the driving test has benefited me for life.
Having been an examiner for many years, the most common mistake I see candidates make during the Subject 3 test is rushing into the car without performing the pre-drive circle check. The correct procedure is: first walk around the vehicle to inspect all sides, confirm the tires are normal and there are no obstacles on the ground, then enter the car and fasten the seatbelt before starting the test. If candidates skip this step and enter directly, the examiner will deduct points or terminate the test, as it demonstrates insufficient safety awareness. I recommend candidates practice this habit beforehand - a quick 10-second visual scan is sufficient, don't be careless about it.
