What is the maximum distance allowed for driving in second gear during Subject 3 test?
2 Answers
Generally, the speed in second gear during Subject 3 test should not exceed 20 km/h, but there is no minimum speed limit. This means it's acceptable to neither press the clutch nor accelerator after shifting to second gear. However, it's important to note that there are distance restrictions for first and second gears during the Subject 3 examination. When shifting from second to third gear, the gear change should occur at approximately 21-22 km/h. Additional information: For C1 license Subject 3 test, vehicles typically start in first gear and can shift to second gear once moving, as there are specific distance limitations for first and second gear usage during the exam - exceeding these limits will result in test failure. When driving in second gear, shift to third gear when reaching 20 km/h, and shift to fourth gear when exceeding 30 km/h.
During my driving test for Subject 3, the instructor specifically emphasized that driving in second gear must absolutely not exceed 200 meters, otherwise it's very easy to fail the exam. This is because prolonged driving in a low gear causes the engine RPM to be too high, wasting fuel and damaging the engine. During the test, the examiner will secretly count roadside markers to calculate the distance. For example, in an urban road test, you should quickly shift up to third gear after starting from a green light. I developed a habit during practice of proactively shifting gears after driving for a few dozen seconds to avoid dragging it out. Beginners often overlook this point, thinking that driving steadily in second gear is enough, but the rule is designed to test your adaptability. It's recommended to frequently check the speedometer during normal driving—shift to second gear when the speed is between 20 to 30 km/h, and skip gears if it's higher. Safe driving starts with the details, and developing good habits is very helpful for future road driving.
