What are the evaluation criteria for the October new regulation Subject 3 driving test?
3 Answers
The evaluation criteria for the October new regulation Subject 3 driving test are as follows: Standards for failing the test: Failure to use seat belts as required; obstructing or turning off in-vehicle audio/video monitoring equipment; not following the examiner's instructions; inability to correctly use vehicle controls such as lights and windshield wipers; not placing the gear in neutral (parking gear) when starting the engine; failing to start within 10 seconds when the traffic light turns green and there are no vehicles or pedestrians ahead affecting passage; the vehicle rolling backward more than 30cm during startup; both hands leaving the steering wheel while driving; inability to effectively control the direction of travel with one hand on the steering wheel; inaccurate control of the vehicle's direction, with the vehicle swaying or deviating from the correct path; inability to reasonably choose driving lanes or adjust speed according to traffic conditions. Standards for deducting 10 points: Incorrect driving posture; the vehicle rolling backward during startup, but less than 30cm; improper steering wheel handling; selecting the wrong gear during startup or driving and failing to correct it promptly; turning or returning the steering wheel too early or too late during a turn, or with excessive or insufficient steering angle; gear grinding during gear shifting; inability to reasonably use the clutch to control speed when necessary; causing the engine to stall once due to improper operation; inability to use the horn reasonably according to traffic conditions; uneven braking; failure to yield as required when the following vehicle signals to overtake, etc.
As someone who frequently helps friends practice driving, I think the new October regulations for Subject 3 focus mainly on the details, and the grading criteria are quite strict. Now, before starting, you not only have to check the handbrake but also glance at the dashboard to confirm the doors are closed, otherwise, you’ll lose major points. Regarding light usage, turn signals must be activated three seconds in advance—don’t wait until you’re changing lanes to remember. The examiners monitor this electronically, and they’re extremely rigid about it. I heard the new regulations increased the points for intersection observation—if you don’t slow down or check for pedestrians at a crosswalk, your safety points will drop. Other key points include speed control (no speeding), leaving at least one foot of safety distance when parking, and blind spot checks during turns or lane changes—missing any of these will cost you points and could lead to failing. These changes are meant to force candidates to develop good habits. For example, when I helped my friend practice, I noticed he often forgot about the lights, leading to failure. I suggest doing a few mock tests in advance and watching more exam videos. Overall, though, the new standards are more beginner-friendly and can reduce accidents later on, since road safety comes first. Don’t underestimate these small details—a single slip-up could mean starting all over again.
I just passed the Subject 3 test last year and have some thoughts about the new regulations in October. The evaluation criteria are much more detailed now, with examiners paying closer attention to the sequence of operations. For example, when starting the car, you must adjust the seat, fasten the seatbelt, and depress the clutch in the correct order to avoid point deductions. Regarding lights, you now need to operate them with absolute precision—even a one-second delay can cost you points. During my test, I was so nervous that I forgot to check the rearview mirror while changing lanes, resulting in a deduction for safety. The new rules place stricter emphasis on blind spot checks. Intersection evaluations are particularly critical—you must slow down and check both sides when crossing, as going too fast will lead to an immediate fail. There are also new requirements for parking: the car must be completely within the parking space lines, with even tire contact with the line counting as a fail. Examiners now use new electronic devices for scoring, reducing subjective errors. In summary, focus on these detailed point deductions: starting procedures, light operation, lane-change safety, intersection observation, and parking precision. You fail if you lose 20 out of 100 points. I recommend taking notes and simulating scenarios during practice. The new regulations are good—they encourage disciplined driving—but I lost three pounds from the stress after my test!
