What are the requirements for maintaining straight-line driving in Subject 3?
2 Answers
Subject 3 straight-line driving requirements include: reasonable use of gears to maintain speed; proper steering wheel operation; appropriate following distance and speed control; and correct observation methods. Below are the specific requirements for maintaining straight-line driving in Subject 3: 1. Speed: When approaching the straight-line driving section, prepare in advance by aligning the direction and the front of the vehicle, maintaining a steady speed. During practice, focus on getting a feel for the accelerator pedal. During the test, it's best to control the speed by feel rather than constantly checking the speedometer, as this can lead to unintentional deviations in direction. 2. Steering: When holding the steering wheel, the left hand should primarily control it, while the right hand rests lightly for easy gear shifting. Adjustments to the steering wheel should be early, slight, and gentle, with the amount of adjustment matched by an equal return to bring the vehicle back to straight-line driving. Large turns of the steering wheel are considered unacceptable. 3. Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead during straight-line driving. Failure to decelerate when the leading vehicle brakes will result in penalties. If the leading vehicle speeds up and the distance becomes too large, actively follow up when road conditions permit. 4. Observation: Observation is the most critical factor in maintaining straight-line driving. To keep the vehicle on a straight path, it's essential to look far ahead, which helps prevent deviations. Choose a suitable reference point, such as the lane divider, curb, railing, or trees, and align a prominent part of the vehicle with it. Make timely adjustments if any deviation occurs.
During my practice for Subject 3, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the key to driving in a straight line lies in sight control and speed management. It's best to maintain a speed between 30 to 40 km/h—too slow and you're prone to being disturbed by overtaking vehicles, too fast and you risk losing control. Hold the steering wheel lightly without gripping it tightly, and make slight adjustments if the car starts to drift, keeping the correction within a few degrees. Initially, I often focused on the car ahead or the dashboard, which frequently caused the car to veer off course. The examiner pointed out that this is a common mistake among beginners. The correct approach is to fix your gaze on the center of the road in the distance, imagining a straight line guiding the car forward. During practice, I deliberately chose open road sections to repeatedly train myself, developing that intuitive feel so it comes naturally during the test. While the process seems simple, it requires meticulous attention to avoid minor mistakes that could lead to failure.
