What are the speed requirements for gear shifting in Subject 3?
4 Answers
Subject 3 exam speed requirements for gear shifting are as follows: first gear is 0~20km/h, shift to second gear at 15~20km/h, shift to third gear at 25~30km/h, shift to fourth gear at 35~40km/h, and shift to fifth gear at 45~50km/h. Precautions during gear shifting: the clutch must be fully depressed when shifting gears. If the clutch is not fully depressed before engaging a gear or if the clutch is released before engaging, the gear lever will feel heavy regardless of the gear, and forcibly shifting with excessive force can damage the gears, produce loud noises, and in severe cases, may cause the engine to stall.
When it comes to the speed requirements for gear shifting in Subject Three, my years of driving experience have taught me the following: generally, starting from a standstill, use 1st gear for speeds between 0-20 km/h, such as when starting or moving at extremely low speeds. Shift to 2nd gear when accelerating to 15-30 km/h, as the car begins to stabilize. When the speed increases further to 25-40 km/h, shift to 3rd gear, which is suitable for urban roads. Once you reach 35-50 km/h, you can shift to 4th gear, ideal for suburban or non-highway sections. For speeds exceeding 50 km/h, 5th gear is commonly used, especially on highways or expressways. The key is to transition smoothly—avoid rushing to shift gears or sticking rigidly to speed limits to prevent engine lugging or excessive RPM. When I was a beginner, I often made the mistake of using 1st gear at speeds above 20 km/h, causing the car to shake and stall, which led to point deductions during the test. The examiner evaluates whether you can control the speed to match the gear, reflecting both safety awareness and driving skills. Regular practice of gear shifting during acceleration and deceleration helps build muscle memory, making it second nature to know when to shift gears. This not only makes driving more comfortable but also safer.
The speed rules for gear shifting in Subject 3 have been clearly emphasized to the students I've taught: 1st gear is suitable for 0-20 km/h, mainly used for starting; switch to 2nd gear when the speed reaches 15-30 km/h; continue accelerating to 25-40 km/h for 3rd gear; enter 4th gear at 35-50 km/h; and use 5th gear when exceeding 50 km/h. When decelerating, do the opposite—downshift to match the speed, maintaining smoothness to avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Why are these requirements in place? Because speed mismatch can lead to excessive engine load, stalling, or component wear, severely affecting driving safety. A common mistake during the test is shifting gears before reaching the appropriate speed, such as using a high gear at low speeds. I advise students to practice repeatedly during training, listening to the engine sound and watching the speedometer to develop an intuitive response, not letting exam nerves disrupt the rhythm. Developing this habit will help you pass with ease and drive more confidently in real situations.
I just passed my Category 3 driving test a few months ago and was particularly impressed by the gear shift speed requirements. During the test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized: Use 1st gear at low speeds of 0-20 km/h; shift to 2nd gear when reaching 15-30 km/h; use 3rd gear at 25-40 km/h; shift to 4th gear at 35-50 km/h; and use 5th gear when driving above 50 km/h on highways. Gear changes should be performed when the vehicle speed is steady—don’t hesitate or rush. I encountered issues during practice, like staying in 2nd gear at 25 km/h, causing the car to jerk and nearly stall, which almost cost me points. The key is proper matching—smooth and natural operation makes the test go smoothly with less pressure.
