What are the methods for beginners to practice straight-line driving in Subject 3?
4 Answers
For beginners practicing straight-line driving in Subject 3, the methods are as follows: 1. Adjusting the line of sight: Look far and near, meaning you should look a bit farther ahead while also paying attention to the nearby and rear conditions of the vehicle. Since Subject 3 involves higher speeds, looking far ahead allows you to detect situations early and react in advance, ensuring the vehicle moves in a straight line. (Remember, during straight-line driving, the steering wheel must not be moved, or you will lose 100 points immediately.) In summary, the technique is: the faster the speed, the farther you should look. At slower speeds, you can pull your gaze back slightly while observing the left and right sides through the rearview mirrors. 2. Choosing reference points: Select appropriate reference points. Without suitable references, the vehicle is prone to drifting or even crossing lines. Use the double yellow lines in the middle of the road as a reference for keeping the car parallel, or use the roadside trees as markers. Make sure to use peripheral vision in the rearview mirrors to keep the car body parallel; otherwise, you might cross lines during straight-line driving or become nervous and move the steering wheel, leading to test failure. 3. Correct steering wheel operation: Operate the steering wheel with the left hand as the primary and the right hand as the secondary. The left hand mainly controls the steering wheel, while the right hand switches between the steering wheel and the gear lever for support. Technique: Hold the steering wheel steadily and straight, avoiding any directional changes while driving. Place your hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, shoulder-width apart.
When I first started learning to drive, practicing straight-line driving was quite a challenge. The instructor taught me to find good reference points, like distant utility poles or roadside lines, and keep my eyes fixed on them without looking down at the steering wheel. Hold the wheel lightly but firmly, don't grip it too tightly, or the car will sway easily. The ideal speed is between 30 to 40 km/h—too fast is unstable, too slow causes drifting. My common mistake was being too nervous and overcorrecting the steering, making the car zigzag. Later, I found that relaxing my shoulders, taking deep breaths, and focusing about 100 meters ahead helped. It's best to practice on flat, straight roads, avoiding slopes or potholes. Remember, the key is practice—spending half an hour daily on this skill makes it smooth within a session or two, ensuring rock-steady performance during the test.
After years of teaching beginners to drive, I always emphasize three key points for straight-line driving: First, look far ahead—don't fixate on the dashboard, keep your eyes on a fixed point in the distance. Second, steady the steering wheel—avoid large movements, make slight adjustments with your fingertips. Third, control your speed—maintain a steady range, no sudden acceleration or deceleration. Students often make the mistake of looking too close and twisting the wheel. I advise them to sit upright with their backs straight to better feel the car's trajectory. It's best to practice with a simulator to save fuel and time. Additionally, use the side mirrors to check if the car is aligned—don't overlook this. Safety first—if the car drifts, don't slam the brakes, gently correct it. After a few practice runs, you'll develop a feel for it.
Driving in a straight line was much simpler in our time compared to modern cars. The key is good habits: look far ahead, stay focused, hold the steering wheel steadily without gripping too tightly. Keep the speed under 40 km/h and maintain a constant pace. A common issue is panicking and oversteering—my son did the same when learning. Practice more in open areas, find a straight road and drive back and forth a few times. Always remember safety: buckle up and keep your phone away.
