What is the gear range for gear shifting?
2 Answers
Gear shifting is a mandatory test item in the third subject of the driving test. Upshifting involves gradually increasing from 1st gear up to a maximum of 4th gear, with no need to shift to 5th gear. Downshifting involves reducing from 4th gear to 2nd gear, and skipping gears during downshifting is not allowed. The 100-meter gear shifting test evaluates the driver's proficiency in handling vehicle gears. The vehicle starts from the 100-meter starting line and must complete the acceleration process from the lowest gear to the highest gear within 100 meters, followed by the deceleration process from the highest gear down to 2nd gear. The entire sequence of actions should be smooth. Upshifting procedure: After starting in 1st gear, appropriately press the accelerator to increase speed before upshifting. When the speed reaches 15~20 km/h, shift to 2nd gear. During the shift, release the accelerator pedal, press the clutch pedal, move the gear lever to the neutral position, then release the clutch pedal. Press the clutch pedal again and push the gear lever into 2nd gear, then gradually release the clutch while slowly pressing the accelerator pedal to continue driving smoothly. The same method applies to other upshifts. However, the optimal speed for shifting varies by gear: generally, the best speed for shifting to 2nd gear is 15~20 km/h, to 3rd gear is 35~40 km/h, to 4th gear is 55~60 km/h, and to 5th gear is 75~80 km/h. Downshifting procedure: When downshifting, release the accelerator pedal and press the clutch pedal. Push the gear lever into neutral, then release the clutch pedal. Lightly press the accelerator to increase engine speed (a light press is sufficient, not exceeding 3000 rpm), then press the clutch pedal again and push the gear lever into the lower gear. Gradually release the clutch until the left foot completely releases it, then press the accelerator to control the vehicle speed in the new gear. Downshifting can skip one gear but not two. Downshifting can also be used to decelerate using engine idle speed when going down a long slope.
I often teach beginners how to shift gears. The range for upshifting and downshifting depends on vehicle speed and RPM. Generally, start in 1st gear and shift to 2nd at 20 km/h, to 3rd around 40 km/h, to 4th at 60 km/h, and use 5th gear above 80 km/h. Downshifting follows the reverse pattern, e.g., from 4th to 3rd at 60 km/h, or from 3rd to 2nd in traffic jams. The key is listening to the engine sound—avoid exceeding 3000 RPM or dropping below 1500 RPM. When downshifting, blip the throttle for smoother transitions. Remember to downshift earlier when going uphill and use lower gears for engine braking downhill.
