What gear should be used when passing through a traffic light in Subject 3?
2 Answers
When starting from a traffic light in Subject 3, use first gear. You can shift to second gear when reaching the middle of the intersection, and then shift to third gear after exiting the intersection. Follow the voice instructions: Listen carefully to the voice instructions during Subject 3 and follow them accordingly. Remember not to perform any actions before the voice instruction ends; always wait until the instruction is complete before proceeding to the next step. Pay attention to special zones: In many areas, the voice instructions no longer remind candidates of special zones such as school zones, bus stops, and crosswalks. However, candidates must perform corresponding deceleration or yielding actions based on the project signs and road markings. For school zones, apply the brakes 10 meters before the project sign, keeping the speed below 30 km/h. For bus stops, apply the brakes 10 meters before the project sign, keeping the speed below 30 km/h. For crosswalks, decelerate by applying the brakes within 30 meters before the crosswalk, and stop to yield if pedestrians are crossing.
When instructing students in the coaching car, I often remind them that gear operation during traffic lights is crucial for the Category 3 driving test. If stopping at a red light line, always start in first gear by gently pressing the clutch and slowly applying throttle to avoid stalling. For green lights without stopping, shift directly to second gear and maintain a low speed of 20-30 km/h. During the test, gear selection must match the vehicle speed—second gear is ideal for intersections, as higher gears like third may cause excessive acceleration, leading to point deductions by the examiner. The test evaluates safety, observation, and smoothness: always check left and right before starting at red lights, and slow down when proceeding through greens. Many beginners neglect this, resulting in jerky gear changes and vehicle wobbling—practice coordinated starts and shifts regularly. Additionally, operate gears more slowly on wet rainy roads to ensure flawless execution.
