Should You Use Second or Third Gear in Subject Three?

[SanLucas]

Subject Three exam uses second gear. Below are the specific details of Subject Three: 1. Exam Items: The exam items for Subject Three include vehicle preparation, starting, straight-line driving, gear shifting operations, lane changing, pulling over, passing intersections, left turns at intersections, right turns at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. 2. Retake Instructions: The road driving skills test for Subject Three allows five opportunities to schedule the exam. After scheduling, you can take the exam once and retake it once. If you do not attend the retake or fail the retake, you must reschedule the exam.

[McHope]

I've taught many students for the License Test Part 3, and gear selection is truly crucial. It's not about rigidly using second or third gear—it depends on the current speed and road conditions. Generally, when starting or making low-speed turns with speeds around 15 to 25 km/h, second gear is more appropriate. Once the speed reaches between 25 to 40 km/h, it's time to shift to third gear or higher. During the test, the examiner will closely monitor whether the gear matches the speed; mismatches can easily lead to point deductions. For example, prolonged use of second gear during straight-line driving may be penalized as low-gear road occupancy, while using third gear for overly slow turns might cause stalling. Remember to practice gear shifting frequently and develop the habit of checking the dashboard. Before the test, it's best to simulate the route a few times to familiarize yourself with gear changes in different scenarios, such as stopping at intersections or following other vehicles.

[StMaggie]

I just passed the driving test (Subject 3) not long ago, and I remember being quite nervous about gear usage. The instructor repeatedly emphasized shifting gears according to speed - generally using 1st or 2nd gear to accelerate to 20 km/h after starting, then switching to 3rd gear for cruising. If the speed drops below 15 km/h, I need to proactively downshift to avoid stalling. During one test, I forgot to downshift while taking a sharp turn, causing the car to shudder and nearly fail me. So it's not about rigidly using 2nd or 3rd gear - you need to be flexible. I recommend practicing more on urban roads to get familiar with traffic lights and pedestrian zones. Don't get nervous during the test, simulate gear shifts in advance - 3rd gear feels smoother once you've built up speed.

[MarleyDella]

From a vehicle perspective, matching gears to speed can protect the engine and save fuel. Lower gears like second gear provide greater torque at low speeds, making them suitable for starting and turning. At medium speeds, such as around 30 km/h, third gear can balance RPM and fuel efficiency. Improper gear selection may increase RPM and noise, or raise the risk of carbon buildup. During the test, proper use of second and third gears can enhance driving smoothness. Learning more basic mechanical knowledge and understanding the principles of gear selection at different speeds will help you pass the third driving test.