Tips for Gear Shifting in Subject Three of the Driving Test
3 Answers
Subject Three gear shifting techniques are as follows: Upshifting: Start by upshifting, press the clutch and check if the speedometer is within the shifting range, then press the clutch down, shift up, and slowly release the clutch to prevent the car from jerking. Note that upshifting must be done step by step and cannot skip gears directly. Downshifting: When downshifting, release the accelerator. If the speed is too fast, gently tap the brake. Also, observe the speedometer. If the speed is too slow, you can directly skip gears when downshifting. Whether upshifting or downshifting, do not use excessive force when operating the gear lever. Shifting gears does not require strength; you only need to accurately engage the gear. If you are not familiar with the gear positions, practice shifting more.
During my first attempt at Subject 3 of the driving test, I was particularly nervous about gear shifting, fearing stalling or shifting into the wrong gear. The instructor taught me to first master the basics: start in first gear, gently press the accelerator to reach about 15-20 km/h, then press the clutch, release the accelerator, quickly shift to second gear, and gradually release the clutch while adding throttle. When upshifting, pay attention to the speed—don’t rush. If the engine sound is smooth, you’ve done it right. Downshifting is even more critical. For example, when slowing down, I got used to braking first to reduce speed to 10-15 km/h, then pressing the clutch, shifting to first gear, adding a bit of throttle to cushion, and finally releasing the clutch. During the test, avoid looking down at the gear lever—rely on muscle memory. Practice simulating real road conditions often to avoid jerky movements, or the examiner will deduct points. Also, remember that the test requires smooth and continuous actions—don’t be too abrupt, or mistakes may occur, affecting the safety score. In short, practice makes perfect—once you’re skilled, you won’t panic!
I'm an experienced driver. When taking the gear shifting test in Subject 3, I knew the key was controlling the rhythm. For upshifting, start from lower gears - for example, after exceeding 20km/h, press the clutch, shift to third gear, and release the clutch slowly to avoid jerking. When downshifting, watch the tachometer drop below 1500rpm, then press the clutch and shift to second or first gear while gradually braking to a smooth stop. The worst thing is seeing beginners make rushed movements - stomping and releasing too quickly often causes stalling and point deductions. Remember to check your surroundings during the test - glance at mirrors between shifts to ensure safety. Practice coasting in neutral to get the feel - examiners pay close attention to shift smoothness. I recommend beginners try simulator practice sessions to simulate gear changes at different speeds and build confidence. In short, take it easy - don't treat it as an exam but as normal driving.
