
Subject 3 straight-line driving deduction items are as follows: Brief: Failing to walk around the vehicle to inspect its appearance and observe the surrounding environment will result in deductions. Not observing the traffic behind before opening the door will result in deductions. Incorrect use of lights will result in deductions, etc. Additional notes: Before starting, generally check if the door is not fully closed, adjust the seat and rearview mirrors, fasten the seat belt, check the brakes and gear, inspect the dashboard when starting the engine, observe the interior and exterior rearview mirrors (glance at the left and right mirrors), turn your head to observe the traffic behind, turn on the turn signal, engage the gear, release the parking brake, and ensure the starting process is smooth, without jerking, rolling back, or stalling.

When it comes to driving in a straight line, the examiner keeps a close eye on you. If your vehicle deviates too much from the center of the lane, exceeding 30 centimeters to either side, points will definitely be deducted. Additionally, improper speed control within the specified range of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour—whether too slow or too fast—will also result in penalties. Steering wheel operation is crucial as well; constant minor adjustments can lead to mistakes being recorded by the system. Having taught driving for many years, I always remind students to look far ahead rather than just focusing on the front of the car and to keep the steering steady with minimal adjustments. Otherwise, small errors can accumulate into major issues affecting safety. This test evaluates basic control skills, which, when practiced regularly, reduce the risk of accidents and are essential for obtaining a driver's license. Extra attention should also be paid to maintaining a straight line during starts and stops to avoid careless mistakes.

I remember when I was taking the driving test for Subject 3, straight-line driving was one of the easiest points to lose marks. Friends told me that deviating slightly from the center line would deduct five points, and a serious deviation would result in an immediate fail. Unsteady steering with shaking would also cost points, and the examiner would frown if they saw you wobbling left and right. Speed control was another pitfall—going too fast beyond the limit or too slow to keep up would both be noted. The instructor often taught us to focus on a distant target instead of staring at the steering wheel and to keep our hands relaxed for better control. I once failed due to deviation and had to retake it—a lesson learned the hard way. Practicing this skill can improve daily driving safety awareness and prevent accidents. In short, staying calm and composed is key.

The core assessment of straight-line driving is stability. Deviating more than 30cm from the lane center will result in point deductions, which may lead to safety risks such as hitting guardrails. Unstable speed, whether too high or too low, will also incur penalties. Excessive steering wheel shaking or frequent adjustments will result in point deductions, reflecting insufficient control. In actual driving, inability to drive straight may cause rear-end collisions or deviation accidents, especially on elevated highways. The test design aims to examine reactions and cultivate safe driving habits. Mastering these fundamentals and not overlooking small details ensures life safety, priority in passing the test, and smoothly obtaining the license.


