Should You Start the Engine or Walk Around the Car First in the Subject 3 Driving Test?
4 Answers
Before getting into the car for the Subject 3 driving test, you should first perform a walk-around inspection to ensure safety, then open the door and enter the vehicle. After entering, start the engine. Walk-around inspection: Regardless of where the examinee is standing, they must walk around the car to inspect the vehicle's exterior and surrounding environment before getting in. The inspection sequence involves walking from the driver's side around the rear of the car and back, observing carefully. Only after confirming safety can you enter the vehicle. Correct steps to start the engine: Press the brake pedal with your right foot, insert the mechanical key into the ignition, turn it clockwise to the "START" position, and hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the engine start.
I got my driver's license last year, and I still remember that every step of the road test (Subject 3) must be strictly followed. At the beginning of the test, you must walk around the car to carefully inspect the surroundings, such as checking if the tires are in good condition and whether there are any stones or obstacles. Only after confirming safety can you get in the car and start the engine. If you skip the walk-around and start the engine directly, the examiner will immediately fail you because this step is designed to prevent accidents and cultivate safe habits. I once witnessed a candidate who forgot to walk around the car and started the engine, resulting in immediate termination of the test and a wasted opportunity. In daily driving, I’ve also developed this habit—walking around the car before getting in—which has helped me avoid many potential risks. In short, the test design has its reasons, and following the requirements is always the right approach.
On the day of the driving test (Subject 3), I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. The instructor had reminded me beforehand to always walk around the car for inspection before getting in, and not to rush to start the engine. The test regulations require the candidate to report upon reaching the car, then walk around it once to inspect the body, tires, mirrors, and other parts. Only after completing this should you get in, fasten the seatbelt, and start the engine. Skipping the walk-around and starting the engine directly will result in point deductions or even failure. My friend was given a zero score for lazily skipping this step. Now, even when driving on my own, I follow this routine—taking a quick look around the car before getting in to ensure the surroundings are safe. The test isn’t meant to make things difficult but to teach us the basics of driving. Safety always comes first, so everyone must remember this sequence and not skip steps.
I just passed the driving test (Subject 3) recently and am very clear about the procedures: you must walk around the vehicle for inspection before getting in. This includes checking the tire conditions and body damage, and confirming there are no obstacles before starting the engine. The test requires this procedure; if you directly start the engine without walking around the vehicle, the examiner will deduct points or fail you, which is a common mistake. Developing good habits is crucial for driving, such as preventing running over hidden objects. During my practice, I skipped this step once and was criticized. The test is designed to ensure you've mastered the safety procedures. New drivers must not omit this step—just follow the rules to pass smoothly.
