What are the gear shifting requirements and passing standards for Subject 3 driving test?

[EdenAnn]

Here are the introduction regarding gear shifting requirements and penalty items for Subject 3 test: Gear shifting requirements: Accurate and smooth gear shifting, with appropriate speed matching corresponding gear. Penalty items: (1) Wrong gear selection during startup or driving without timely correction, deduct 10 points; (2) Prolonged mismatch between gear and speed causing excessively high or low engine RPM, deduct 100 points; (3) Looking down at gearshift or failing to engage gear twice consecutively while driving, deduct 100 points; (4) Gear grinding during shifting, deduct 10 points; (5) Failure to smoothly shift up or down as instructed, deduct 100 points;

[OArabella]

As a long-time driving instructor, I believe the gear shifting operation in the Subject 3 test is the most crucial part of the road exam. The gear shifting section mainly evaluates how you change gears according to speed variations in real driving situations: for example, starting in first gear, shifting to second when accelerating to 20-30 km/h, and promptly downshifting when encountering uphill roads or deceleration. The standards require smooth gear changes without severe jerking or gear grinding, and no stalling during shifting. During the test, the examiner will observe whether your RPM matches the vehicle speed before and after shifting, ensuring the engine sound remains steady. If the car shakes excessively during shifting or the gear jumps to neutral more than once, it results in failure. I recommend practicing low-speed gear changes frequently to develop a feel for the relationship between speed and RPM, which will help you pass the test on the first attempt.

[SanConnor]

I just passed the driving test (Subject 3) recently and want to share my real experience. The gear shifting part truly tests your hand coordination. During the exam, I was required to shift from 1st gear up to 3rd gear and then downshift to 2nd gear, with the examiner closely monitoring my timing and movements. The passing criteria demand absolutely no jerking sensation – no sudden throttle when upshifting, and you must decelerate to match RPM before downshifting. I often made mistakes during practice, like stalling the car by shifting too quickly. It wasn't until I practiced more with a friend's car that I managed smooth transitions during the actual test. Any single stall or noticeable vehicle shudder during shifting would result in point deductions. The hardest part for me was maintaining calm RPM control under pressure. My advice: simulate the complete procedure several times before the test.

[LucyMarie]

From a safety perspective, mastering gear shifting is crucial in driving to avoid sudden braking or rear-end collisions. The test content is straightforward: performing upshifts and downshifts under simulated road conditions. The core standard is smoothness: no jerking during gear changes, no stalling, and acceptable RPM fluctuations. The examiner evaluates based on consistency and control. If you make two consecutive incorrect gear shifts or experience severe jerking, you'll fail immediately. During practice, pay attention to matching speed with gears, and don't overlook details for the sake of speed. This is the foundation for ensuring safe driving in the future.