What gear should be used when crossing an intersection in Subject 3?
2 Answers
When crossing an intersection in Subject 3, you should slow down and use 3rd gear. Here are the relevant details: Start in 1st gear: After starting in the Subject 3 test, you must begin in 1st gear as required, then shift up or down based on speed. During the Subject 3 test, gear shifting must be done step by step as required; you cannot jump directly from 1st gear to 3rd gear. When you hear the voice prompt "Please perform the gear shifting action," the examinee should adjust to 2nd gear and then shift up sequentially to 5th gear. In 5th gear, the speed must exceed 40 km/h before shifting back down sequentially to 2nd gear. Test content: Starting, driving straight, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crosswalks, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, and making U-turns.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for years, and during the road test (Subject 3), it's generally safer to stay in second gear when crossing intersections. Before approaching, you should slow down in advance and shift to second gear to maintain a moderate speed, around 10-20 km/h. This way, you can stop steadily if a pedestrian suddenly appears or react quickly if acceleration is needed. During the test, never shift to third gear or higher, as the speed will be too fast—the examiner will deduct points, and it’s also unsafe. Similarly, don’t stay in first gear for too long, as it can cause jerky movements and lead to point deductions. Remember to observe the intersection first, signal with your turn indicator, and ensure safety before proceeding. Practice this scenario frequently during training, such as repeatedly rehearsing on less crowded roads, to improve your control. Speed management is key—second gear perfectly balances flexibility and stability while demonstrating your driving safety, which can earn you extra points from the examiner. Nervousness during the test can lead to mistakes, so I recommend taking a deep breath before shifting to second gear.
