What are the new subjects added to the 2021 driving test?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission reduces test items, shortens the interval for scheduling Subject 3, and increases the number of applications for cross-regional sub-subject tests for small cars. The following is a detailed introduction of the relevant content: New regulations: The "ramp parking and starting" item in Subject 2 for small automatic transmission vehicles is abolished to reduce the test burden on candidates based on actual driving needs. The interval for scheduling Subject 3 is shortened, with the scheduling time for small automatic transmission vehicles adjusted from 30 days after passing Subject 1 to 20 days; for large and medium-sized buses and trucks, it is reduced from 40 days to 30 days. Cross-regional tests: The number of cross-regional tests for obtaining a small car driver's license is increased, with the number of applications for changing the test location adjusted from 1 to no more than 3 times.
Last time I was chatting with a friend about the changes in the driving test in 2021, and it felt quite refreshing. There are new practical items added to Subject Two, such as a more precise requirement for narrow road U-turns, where you must control the direction accurately without crossing the lines in a simulated alley. There's also a simulated highway toll booth stop to pick up a card, meaning the car must stop at a designated position, similar to an ETC scenario, where you reach out to take the card, which practices low-speed control skills. Additionally, simulated tunnel driving has been included, requiring you to operate the lights to adapt to dark environments. Subject Three places more emphasis on actual road safety, such as slowing down and observing pedestrians and vehicles when passing schools or bus stops. Although these additions have made the test a bit more challenging, mastering them gives you more confidence when driving on the road. Overall, the 2021 reforms have made the driving test more aligned with urban driving needs, and it's recommended that beginners focus more on these parts.
I just got my driver's license at the end of 2021, and I remember clearly that many new elements were added. For Subject 2, there's now a narrow road driving simulation where both moving forward and reversing in tight sections are scored—it wasn't this difficult before. The most interesting part was the simulated ETC parking, where you had to position the car accurately to take the card. During practice, it took me over a dozen tries to get it right. Subject 3 also saw significant changes, with new test points like slowing down before bus stops and yielding at pedestrian crossings, which the examiners scrutinized strictly. Although these additions extended the learning period, they helped me adapt to real road conditions. For example, I didn’t panic last time when I encountered tunnel lighting issues while driving. The instructor said these changes were for safety reasons, and I find them quite useful. The 2021 policy adjustments were quite sensible—people’s driving skills noticeably improved after the test.
