Under what circumstances is 10 points deducted for gear shifting?
3 Answers
Failing to smoothly shift gears as instructed results in disqualification; a mismatch between vehicle speed and gear position incurs a 10-point deduction. Here are the specific details: 1. Gear shifting: Before the voice prompt, the gear should be in first gear. Upon hearing the prompt, shift up by pressing the accelerator, and when the RPM reaches 1500, press the clutch, release the accelerator, shift to second gear, release the clutch, and press the accelerator. When the RPM reaches 1500 again, press the clutch, release the accelerator, shift to third gear, quickly release the clutch (without pressing the accelerator), press the clutch (no need to accelerate), and shift to fourth gear. For downshifting, press the clutch and shift to third gear, release third gear, reduce speed to 20 mph, press the clutch and shift to second gear, then slowly release the clutch. 2. Skipping gears is strictly prohibited: Whenever the vehicle moves from a standstill, the gear must remain in first gear. When shifting gears, pause briefly in neutral (do not keep your hand on the gear lever; lift it slightly as there is a sensor). Within 150 meters, upshifting should progress from 1st to 4th gear, and downshifting from 4th to 2nd gear, shifting sequentially without skipping gears. During the test, the RPM must not exceed 2000, and the vehicle should remain as stable as possible. When releasing the clutch, your foot should completely leave the pedal; when pressing the clutch, do so quickly and fully before shifting.
When I was taking my driving test, the points deducted for gear shifting were really a headache. The most common mistakes were incorrect timing for gear changes, like shifting up too early before the speed was right, or downshifting at too low RPM causing jerks—the examiner would deduct 10 points immediately. This happened due to poor coordination between the throttle and clutch, pressing the clutch too quickly made the car shake. Another mistake was forgetting to check the rearview mirror before shifting, which cost safety points. During practice, my instructor scolded me many times—he emphasized preparing the gear early for starting and turning, not waiting until the engine whined. Also, excessively high or low engine RPM would lead to deductions, so I trained myself to watch the tachometer more and practiced with familiar cars to reduce the risk of failing.
As someone who frequently observes driving tests, the 10-point deduction for gear shifting primarily stems from uncoordinated operations. The most common mistake is forcing a gear change without fully depressing the clutch, causing the car to jerk or stall, which immediately results in points deduction by the examiner. Another issue is incorrect timing during gear shifting, such as delayed gear changes during sudden acceleration or deceleration, leading to mismatched engine RPMs and compromised driving smoothness. These problems typically arise from insufficient practice and lack of habitual proficiency, making them common errors among beginners. I've seen too many candidates fail because of this. My advice is to simulate various scenarios during daily driving practice, such as practicing seamless gear shifts in congested traffic conditions, gently applying throttle while slowly releasing the clutch. Safety comes first – with enough practice, you can avoid losing those points.
