What is the maximum speed limit for first gear in Subject 3?
3 Answers
20 kilometers per hour. The speed in first gear during Subject 3 should be kept below 20 km/h. Below is relevant information about Subject 3: 1. Introduction to Subject 3: Subject 3 includes the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test. It is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment, specifically referring to the road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge test sections in the motor vehicle driver's examination. The content of the road driving skills test varies depending on the type of vehicle being licensed. 2. Test content of Subject 3: The driving skills test includes preparation before starting, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, lane changing, pulling over, driving straight through intersections, etc. The safe and civilized driving knowledge test covers requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, etc.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly reminded me never to exceed 15 km/h in first gear. This is a strict rule in the Subject 3 exam—going over this speed will result in immediate point deductions or even failure. Looking back, this rule makes perfect sense. First gear is designed for starting, and at higher speeds, the car tends to shake, making it harder for beginners to control and potentially leading to accidents. I still follow this practice in daily driving, shifting to second gear quickly after starting. This not only protects the engine but also saves fuel. Safety comes first—driving isn’t about racing; smooth and steady is what matters most. Developing this habit has made both exams and daily driving much smoother, especially in urban traffic, where controlling speed enhances safety.
When I was taking the third driving test, I paid special attention to the rulebook, which stated that the speed limit for first gear was within 15 kilometers per hour. The examiner explained that exceeding this speed would be detected by the system and result in point deductions, as first gear is designed for low speeds and is not suitable for going fast. Actually, this applies not only to the test but also to real driving—driving too fast in first gear puts a heavy load on the engine, making it prone to overheating or wear. I recommend that everyone practice checking the speedometer frequently while driving, preparing to shift gears immediately after starting, without hesitation. This way, you can pass the test smoothly and reduce the risk of mechanical issues in daily driving. It's a practical skill worth mastering.
