What are the techniques for gear shifting in the Subject 3 driving test?

[MacMadison]

Subject 3 driving test gear shifting techniques are as follows: 1. Gear shifting: This is the substantive step in the entire gear shifting process. After the RPM synchronization, the two gears will smoothly engage, so this step will not produce any impact. 2. Press the clutch and release the accelerator: The reason for the imbalance is the incorrect sequence of pressing the clutch and releasing the accelerator. If you release the accelerator before pressing the clutch, since the engine stops supplying fuel while the clutch is not disengaged, a "reverse drag" or engine braking phenomenon may occur, which will produce a "jerk" impact feeling. 3. Release the clutch and press the accelerator: This is the stage most likely to produce impact, and the control of releasing the clutch is very critical.

[VanessaLee]

When it comes to shifting gears, beginners often get flustered. Back when I was practicing, my instructor repeatedly emphasized a few key points: the left foot must fully depress the clutch before shifting, otherwise the transmission will make grinding noises and you'll lose points immediately; the right hand should shift decisively without hesitation, and eyes must stay fixed on the road ahead—looking down even for a second is disastrous. For upshifting, first rev the engine to around 20 km/h before shifting to second gear, and to 30 km/h for third gear—forcing a shift at insufficient speed will cause violent shuddering. Downshifting is the real test: when speed drops below 15 km/h, quickly clutch and shift to first gear, though exam conditions rarely require dropping to first. After each shift, remember to release the clutch slowly, or the engine will stall instantly, costing you 100 points. The best practice is finding a long, straight road with little traffic to drill gear-shifting coordination repeatedly until muscle memory takes over.

[LaMaggie]

The key to gear shifting boils down to three points: speed matching without panic, smooth coordination of hands and feet, and never forgetting situational awareness. Before my driving test, I practiced gear shifting rhythm hundreds of times in the training ground: when accelerating to 25 km/h, swiftly shift from second to third gear with the right hand while gently pressing the throttle as the clutch is released to maintain power; when decelerating to around 15 km/h, downshift to second gear, and if the speed drops rapidly, a slight throttle blip can prevent jerking. During the test, never rigidly memorize dashboard numbers—instead, feel the engine sound and vibration with your body; a sudden rise in RPM means it's time to upshift. Throughout the shifting process, the left hand steers while the right hand completes the push-pull motion quickly, all while keeping eyes locked on the rearview mirror and the traffic flow ahead.

[VanEden]

Improper gear shifting is a major reason for failing the Category 3 driving test, which is directly related to the quality of daily practice. My personal experience summary is: upshifting must follow a sequential level-by-level approach—start from first gear, shift to second when speed exceeds 10 km/h, and only switch to third gear above 20 km/h. Downshifting requires flexibility: when slowing down at intersections, first brake to reduce speed, then press the clutch to shift gears—for example, drop to second gear if speed falls below 30 km/h. Incorrect timing will directly trigger a gear-speed mismatch warning. The key is to avoid hesitation—complete each shift within 3 seconds. Before the test, it’s best to practice with the instructor’s car to feel the gear lever’s resistance at different speed ranges and memorize each gear’s notch position.