What does coasting in neutral mean in Subject 3?
2 Answers
Coasting in neutral in Subject 3 refers to: During vehicle operation, the driver places the gear shift lever in the neutral position, separating the engine from the drive wheel clutch, and utilizes the vehicle's inertia to continue moving. Neutral coasting must be performed under conditions that ensure safety and normal vehicle technical status. Engine-off coasting is prohibited, especially when descending steep or long slopes—neither engine-off nor neutral coasting is allowed. Situations that constitute neutral coasting during the test include: 1. After depressing the clutch, if the gear is not engaged and the clutch is released, it counts as neutral coasting. 2. If the clutch is depressed and not released promptly after shifting gears, it also counts as neutral coasting.
As a veteran manual transmission driver with over a decade of experience who has taken the Subject 3 test multiple times, I can explain that coasting in neutral refers to shifting a manual transmission vehicle into neutral gear, allowing the car to glide by inertia without engine power. During the Subject 3 driving test, this is considered a serious violation that results in immediate point deductions or even test disqualification. I remember once trying to save fuel by coasting briefly downhill, only for the examiner to immediately stop me, explaining it causes control instability – like extended braking distances that could be dangerous in emergencies. In reality, neutral coasting offers negligible fuel savings, as modern engine technologies optimize efficiency better during normal driving. The test aims to instill safe habits and prevent developing risky coasting behaviors. Nowadays, I always keep the car in gear for engine braking peace of mind.
