What is the speed requirement for downshifting in Subject 3?

[VanRemington]

Shift to 2nd gear when the speed is 10-20 km/h, shift to 3rd gear when the speed is 20-30 km/h, and shift to 4th gear when the speed is 30-40 km/h. Below is an introduction to Subject 3: 1. Introduction: The road safety driving test, referred to as the road driving skills and safe civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. The content of the road driving skills test varies for different types of vehicles eligible for driving. 2. Content: Preparation before getting on the car, simulated light test, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, driving straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing through pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night.

[OKing]

Here's how I understand the speed for downshifting in Subject Three. In actual operation, you need to be flexible. Generally, when you slow down to 15-20 km/h, you can shift from third gear to second gear. If you're slowing down to around 30-35 km/h, it's suitable to shift from fourth gear to third gear. The most crucial thing during this process is to match the speed with the gear to avoid that rumbling noise. I've seen many students lose points because they release the clutch too slowly. During practice, it's important to develop good habits, like checking the speedometer in advance before approaching a traffic light, shifting gears with your right hand while gently holding the steering wheel with your left hand to keep the vehicle stable. Ultimately, these speed requirements are mainly to prevent damage to the transmission, as aggressive downshifting can strain the engine, and doing it frequently will eventually cause problems for the car.

[VanElijah]

During my driving test for Subject 3, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the timing of downshifting, especially for U-turns and pulling over to the curb, which require precise speed reduction. Specifically, when downshifting from third to second gear, the speed needs to be below 25 km/h; when downshifting from fourth to third gear, it must be reduced to under 40 km/h. From my experience, checking the tachometer is more accurate—when the needle drops to around 1500 RPM, it's time to shift. I remember on the test day, when passing the school zone, I released the accelerator 300 meters in advance to let the speed naturally decrease, which made the gear shift very smooth and reduced the risk of stalling. I recommend practicing more with the brake to control speed, especially on downhill sections. If the speed isn't properly managed and the gears skip, the examiner will definitely deduct points.

[StWalter]

Downshifting really depends on the car's condition. The shift timing for those old Santanas at our driving school is different from newer models. Generally, it's best to downshift from 4th to 3rd gear when the speed is between 35-40 km/h, and from 3rd to 2nd around 20 km/h. The key is to listen to the engine sound – when the humming noise decreases, that's your cue. Remember, during the test, avoid slamming the brakes to slow down. Gentle tapping is more stable, or the examiner might think you're nervous and unsteady. The test rules emphasize smoothness – seamless gear shifts are what really matter.