
Subject 3 consists of the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test, which are part of the motor vehicle driver's license . The road driving skills test includes 16 items: vehicle preparation, starting, straight-line driving, gear shifting operations, left turns at intersections, right turns at intersections, lane changes, passing through intersections, pulling over, crossing pedestrian crosswalks, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. The safe and civilized driving knowledge test covers: requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge.

I just passed the Driving Test Part 3 last week, and the content was quite comprehensive. Before getting in the car, you need to around the vehicle counterclockwise to inspect it and press the buttons on the car body. After getting in, adjust the seat and mirrors, fasten the seatbelt, and check the dashboard after starting the engine. When starting off, you must turn on the turn signal, honk the horn, and check the rearview mirror. On the road, you’ll be tested on straight-line driving—the steering wheel shouldn’t wobble too much. For gear shifting, you need to match the speed, and the gear change should be smooth without jerking. When changing lanes or overtaking, the turn signal must be on for at least three seconds, and you must check the rearview mirror repeatedly. The most nerve-wracking part is pulling over—the right tire must be within 30 cm of the curb. You need to lightly brake and slow down when passing crosswalks, schools, or bus stops, while turning your head left and right to check. At intersections, you must change lanes in advance and observe traffic lights and pedestrians. For night driving, you’ll also be tested on light operations, like alternating between high and low beams when navigating sharp turns. The entire test is about 3 kilometers, and remembering every detail is crucial.

After all these years as an instructor, the core of Subject 3 is safe driving awareness. The test items include: checking vehicle condition and dashboard before starting; maintaining stable body alignment during straight-line driving; coordinating speed and gear shifts during acceleration and deceleration; making obvious mirror checks when changing lanes or overtaking; precise positioning when pulling over in designated areas; paying attention to traffic signals when proceeding straight through intersections; controlling speed and timing during left/right turns; reducing speed below 30 km/h when passing special zones (crosswalks, schools, bus stops); yielding appropriately during oncoming traffic; completing the full overtaking procedure; selecting proper positions before U-turns; and accurate light operation during night driving. The most crucial aspect throughout isn't technical skill, but whether safety awareness is properly demonstrated.

When I took my driving test twenty years ago, the third subject wasn't this complicated. Nowadays, kids have to test on so many more items—besides basic starting and stopping, they also need to demonstrate straight-line driving stability and smooth gear shifting. Many new safety items have been added: slowing down to under 30 km/h before school zones and checking left and right; tapping the brakes when passing bus stops; and during night tests, operating lights—like using low beams for oncoming traffic and high beams on unlit roads. The hardest part is parallel parking, which requires stopping within 30 cm of the curb. Even veteran drivers like us know how strict this standard is for beginners. Though these items are tedious, they really help cultivate safe driving habits.

Sisters, don't be afraid of Subject Three! Although there are many test items, they actually follow a pattern. First, around the car and press the buttons to check the tires. Once inside, never forget to fasten your seatbelt. When starting, keep your movements steady: turn on the left signal and honk the horn. For straight-line driving, don't stare at the steering wheel—look far ahead. For gear shifting, remember to match the speed: 30 km/h for third gear, 40 km/h for fourth gear. When changing lanes or overtaking, make sure to signal for at least three seconds and tilt your head to check the rearview mirror for a stylish pose. For roadside parking, align the wiper's bump with the curb and move slowly. When passing schools or bus stops, lightly tap the brakes and glance left and right as if observing. For the simulated lighting test, memorize the rhyme: flash lights alternately on sharp bends, and turn on hazard lights for temporary parking. Just follow the voice prompts throughout the test.

The actual road test for Subject 3 includes 16 skill assessments: Pre-drive vehicle inspection button response. The starting procedure requires completing a series of actions including releasing the parking brake, engaging gear, activating turn signal, and sounding the horn. Straight-line driving demands no more than 30cm deviation within 100 meters. Gear shifting must be smoothly performed between 30-40 km/h. Lane changes require turn signal activation for over 3 seconds. Curb parking requires wheels to be within 30cm of the roadside. Intersection maneuvers (straight, left, or right turns) all require preemptive deceleration below 30 km/h. Special zone passage requires double-tap braking (once each at crosswalks, school zones, and bus stops). The overtaking process involves two lane changes with proper light usage. Night testing additionally examines five lighting operations including high-low beam alternation. Each test item averages 150m spacing, with continuous mirror observation required throughout.


