Should You Step on the Gas When Overtaking in Subject Three?
4 Answers
When performing an overtaking maneuver in Subject Three, you should lightly press the gas pedal. If you don’t accelerate while changing lanes to overtake, the speed will be too low, causing a mismatch between the gear and speed, which will result in an immediate failure during the test. Upon hearing the voice prompt "Please complete the overtaking action," the candidate should turn on the left turn signal (for more than 3 seconds) and simultaneously observe the traffic situation behind through the left rearview mirror. Only after confirming it is safe should the candidate turn the steering wheel to the left and enter the left lane to overtake. Below are some tips for the Subject Three test: Follow the voice instructions: Listen carefully to the voice prompts during Subject Three and act accordingly. Do not perform any actions before the voice prompt ends; wait until it finishes before proceeding. Pay attention to special zones: In many areas, the voice prompts no longer remind candidates of special zones such as school areas, bus stops, and crosswalks. However, candidates must still slow down or yield based on the project signs and road markings. In school zones, apply the brakes within 10 meters of the sign, keeping the speed below 30 km/h. At bus stops, apply the brakes within 10 meters of the sign, maintaining a speed below 30 km/h. Before a crosswalk, slow down by applying the brakes within 30 meters, and stop to yield if pedestrians are crossing.
Last time when I was taking the driving test for Subject 3, I encountered the overtaking task. To be honest, I was a bit confused at first. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that overtaking must involve stepping on the accelerator to speed up, otherwise how can it be called overtaking? The key points of the maneuver are as follows: first turn on the left turn signal, check the rearview mirror to see if there are any vehicles behind, and if it's safe, decisively accelerate to overtake. I usually increase the speed to about 10 km/h faster than the vehicle in front, which allows me to complete the overtaking maneuver quickly. However, special attention must be paid to the speed limit on the test route, and never exceed it. The whole process only takes about ten seconds, but the throttle control should be smooth—don't stomp on it nervously, as it may make the examiner think it's a dangerous operation.
When teaching students to practice driving, I always remind them that the core of overtaking is the speed difference. If you don't press the accelerator and maintain the same speed as the car in front, how can you overtake? In fact, the exam requirements are very clear: after changing lanes, you must significantly increase speed, which requires proper use of the accelerator. I suggest first checking the rearview mirror to confirm safety, then signaling for three seconds before starting to press the accelerator, maintaining a uniform acceleration. During the overtaking process, pay attention to the safe distance from the car in front, preferably leaving 30-40 meters before merging back into the original lane. The most crucial point is not to press the accelerator too hard; the speed limit in the Subject 3 test area is generally 40 km/h, and exceeding 50 km/h will result in an immediate failure.
Having driven for ten years, I've lost count of the number of overtakes. In the Category 3 driving test, the overtaking maneuver requires pressing the accelerator—it's a fundamental operational requirement. I remember during my test, I first ensured it was safe behind me, then decisively accelerated to around 35 km/h to smoothly pass the vehicle ahead. Throttle control should be as gentle and gradual as stepping on an egg, avoiding any harsh movements. It's important not to slow down immediately after overtaking; maintain speed until returning to the original lane. In reality, overtaking on the road is more complex, but the test simplifies the steps—just execute the acceleration properly. Remember not to exceed the speed limit; the test center's electronic monitors are very sensitive.
