What does '9 points reduced to 3 points, review 3 points' mean in the driving test?

[LylaLee]

It means that those with more than 9 points must attend training courses, while those with less than 3 points can study online via the traffic management platform 12123. Below are the new driving test regulations: Elimination of slope fixed-point parking: According to the convenience measures issued by the Ministry of Public Security, starting from June 1, 2021, the 'slope fixed-point parking and starting' item will be removed from the Category 2 test for small automatic transmission vehicle licenses. Details: In addition, the most recent changes to the Category 2 test rules mainly focus on adjustments to the test time and details. The difficulty of the Category 2 test has increased. The time limit for completing the reverse parking into a garage must not exceed 210 seconds, otherwise it will be considered as a test failure. The time limit for completing the parallel parking must not exceed 90 seconds, otherwise it will be considered as a test failure.

[SanAnastasia]

I just got my driver's license recently and have a deep understanding of the '9-to-3, review-3' rule! It's actually a major reform in the driving test regulations for Subject 3. The old system used a cumulative penalty point system, where you could fail if you lost more than 9 points out of 100, with minor mistakes still allowed. Now, it focuses on three critical errors—if you fail to yield to pedestrians, change lanes without checking, or run a red light, for example, making three such mistakes means an immediate failure with no buffer. The 'review-3' part likely refers to limited test attempts or a re-examination mechanism, usually requiring you to restart from the theoretical part if you fail three times. I think this policy forces people to practice more seriously, as safety is non-negotiable. My instructor repeatedly emphasized those key points during training—I practiced reversing into a parking space over a hundred times. Post-reform, the accident rate among new drivers has indeed dropped, but the difficulty of obtaining a license has skyrocketed. I passed on my first try only because I practiced relentlessly. My advice is to simulate test scenarios as much as possible before the exam to avoid last-minute cramming. Overall, I strongly support this—safety comes first, so don’t assume getting a license is easy.

[MorganLynn]

As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I still vividly remember the old rules when taking the driving test. Back then, the third subject had a full score of 100, and failing meant losing 9 points. Various minor mistakes could deduct points, making the calculation cumbersome. What young people now refer to as 'Full 9 to 3, Review 3' simply means a reform: the focus has shifted to detecting three critical errors. Committing three mistakes, such as ignoring indicators or failing to maintain a safe distance, results in immediate test termination with no leniency. 'Review 3' likely refers to the review process or a limit of three test attempts—my neighbor's son passed only on his third try. The reform aims to enhance road safety by targeting high-risk behaviors, ensuring new drivers don’t act carelessly. Compared to the past, the rules are now more straightforward but with higher thresholds—previously, it was easier to slip through, but now it truly tests one’s skills. I understand this is to reduce accidents caused by inexperienced drivers, and data shows it’s effective. The driving test has become more demanding, but fostering good habits is a positive change—at least we seasoned drivers encounter fewer reckless lane changes by novices. We should still remind young drivers to practice those core skills diligently.

[CameronAnn]

I've mentored many students, and this '9-to-3 exam reform with 3 reviews' is a frequently discussed hot topic. Essentially, it refers to the reform of Subject 3 driving test: switching from a penalty-point system to a critical-error system—three major mistakes like failing to restart after stalling at startup or not yielding as required will result in immediate failure if triggered three times, with no leniency. The '3 reviews' part might indicate either an upper limit on exam attempts or a required recheck mechanism. In our teaching, we focus more on preventing those high-risk behaviors, repeatedly simulating real road conditions—effective but resulting in lower pass rates. The reform reflects educational upgrades targeting safety gaps like traffic chaos. Students now need to spend multiple times more effort practicing basics, and I've personally witnessed new drivers becoming more stable post-exam. My advice: focus on key details during regular practice, never overlook the rules.