Should You Shift to Neutral and Apply the Handbrake When Stopping During the Driving Test (Subject 3)?
2 Answers
When stopping during the driving test (Subject 3), you should shift to neutral and apply the handbrake. Below are the relevant details: 1. Subject 3: It includes the road driving skills test and the safety and civilized driving knowledge test, which are part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviation for the road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. 2. Test content: Preparation before starting, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, etc.
After teaching driving students for so many years, I've always emphasized that shifting to neutral and pulling the handbrake during the third road test are mandatory, not optional. Every time you stop during the exam—whether at a red light or temporarily pulling over—you must quickly shift to neutral to prevent unintended vehicle movement, then engage the handbrake for stability. The reason is straightforward: Neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels, preventing new drivers from lurching forward if they accidentally hit the gas; the handbrake is critical for preventing rollback on slopes. I've seen students lose 10 points or even fail for skipping this step—examiners prioritize safety details. Make it a habit in daily driving too: Shift to neutral and use the handbrake for stops over 10 seconds while checking traffic. When restarting, remember to shift into gear first, then release the handbrake. This small routine prevents major accidents, especially in urban congestion. Mastering these standardized operations ensures test success and safer everyday driving.