What is Tested in Driving License Subject Three?
4 Answers
Subject Three consists of 16 assessment items. They are: walking around the vehicle, preparation before starting, light control, starting and passing through intersections, right turns, driving in a straight line, shifting gears within 100 meters, passing bus stops, changing lanes, making U-turns, overtaking, passing pedestrian crossings, meeting oncoming vehicles, passing school zones, passing villages, left turns, and parking by the roadside. Among these, the four most challenging items are: 1. Light control. Memorize the use of high and low beams. 2. Shifting gears within 100 meters. Do not look down at the gear lever when shifting, and ensure not to shift into reverse gear by mistake. 3. Overtaking. Maintain steady speed, keep the turn signal on for at least 3 seconds, and always check the rearview mirror. 4. Parking by the roadside. Use familiar reference points on the vehicle body to align and park accurately.
The Subject 3 driving test primarily evaluates your practical driving skills on real roads, covering fundamental maneuvers such as starting the vehicle, driving straight, changing lanes and overtaking, navigating intersections, and performing acceleration and deceleration operations. When I first passed it, I was particularly nervous because the examiner would constantly check whether you observed the rearview mirrors, used turn signals, and adjusted speed promptly. What left the deepest impression was during a mock test when I forgot to slow down before turning, causing the car to wobble severely—luckily, I steadied the steering wheel in time to avoid a major mistake. For daily preparation, I recommend practicing low-speed driving and emergency stops frequently, especially the nighttime lighting control section, where examiners assess whether you activate headlights and maintain a safe following distance. The test isn’t just about technical skills; it also demands meticulous attention, like stopping at pedestrian crossings without fail—a rule that proves invaluable in real-world driving. Overall, Subject 3 helps cultivate safe habits and prevents risks from overconfidence.
In my experience of guiding many people through their driver's license tests, I believe the core of Subject Three lies in testing your practical application of road rules. The exam content includes smoothness during startup, checking blind spots before changing lanes, slowing down when passing school zones, and accuracy in parking. Examiners particularly emphasize safety and standardization, such as maintaining the turn signal for three seconds before turning the steering wheel, otherwise points can be easily deducted. I've encountered students who failed because they didn't look back when changing lanes, so I stress the importance of repeatedly practicing road condition anticipation. Relevant advice includes familiarizing yourself with the test route in advance, simulating traffic flow with real vehicles more often, and not relying solely on the driving school training ground. The key to Subject Three is not speed, but precise control of speed and distance. Developing this habit will make driving on the road smoother.
The Subject 3 test, in simple terms, is an on-road practical evaluation where the examiner assesses your vehicle control and safety awareness. Key components include starting the vehicle, changing lanes, turning, and parking, with essential details like signaling and observing the surroundings. During my test, the focus was on starting smoothly without stalling and ensuring no blind spot risks when changing lanes. Speed should be maintained between 20-50 km/h, avoiding sudden braking at intersections. The examiner also checks if you yield to pedestrians, which relates to daily driving etiquette. The purpose of the test is not just to pass but to train safety instincts to prevent accidents.
