What speed corresponds to which gear in Subject 3?
3 Answers
Subject 3 gear and speed standards mainly include: 1st gear for 0-20 km/h, 2nd gear for 5-30 km/h, 3rd gear for 15-40 km/h, 4th gear for 30-55 km/h. The highest gear required in Subject 3 is 4th gear, which is used during straight-line driving. The specific speed requirements for gear shifting in Subject 3 are as follows: Introduction 1: During normal driving, 1st gear corresponds to 10-20 km/h, 2nd gear to 20-30 km/h, 3rd gear to 30-40 km/h, 4th gear to 40-50 km/h, and 5th gear to speeds above 60 km/h. Introduction 2: However, the speed and gear matching requirements for the Subject 3 exam differ slightly from actual driving. The allowed range for 1st gear is 0-20 km/h, with the shift to 2nd gear occurring at 15-20 km/h. The allowed range for 2nd gear is 10-30 km/h, with the shift to 3rd gear at 25-30 km/h. The allowed range for 3rd gear is 20-40 km/h, with the shift to 4th gear at 35-40 km/h. The allowed range for 4th gear is 30-50 km/h, with the shift to 5th gear at 45-50 km/h.
When shifting gears during the driving test (Subject 3), it's mainly based on the vehicle speed. From my experience, you should shift to second gear when the speed reaches around 10 km/h after starting – not too early or too late. After starting, accelerate slightly until the car is moving, then shift to second gear most smoothly when the speedometer shows between 10-15 km/h. Then, shift to third gear at around 25 km/h, fourth gear at around 35 km/h, and if the road is wide and the speed reaches 40-50 km/h, you can shift to fifth gear. Remember, during the test, gear shifts should be smooth – quick but without causing the car to jerk, as examiners particularly dislike a car that lurches. Why this arrangement? Shifting to a higher gear at low speeds can easily stall the car, leading to an immediate fail in the test; shifting to a lower gear at high speeds makes the engine noisy and harms the car. During practice, pay attention to the tachometer or engine sound to develop a good feel for the car, not just staring at the dashboard. A common mistake is nervous beginners shifting too early, causing the car to shake and lose points. Practice simulating this process repeatedly to familiarize yourself with the speed ranges, and you won't get confused.
From a safe driving perspective, gear shifting in Subject 3 must match the vehicle speed: shift to 2nd gear at around 10 km/h, 3rd gear at approximately 25 km/h, 4th gear between 35-40 km/h, and 5th gear around 50 km/h. This design ensures driving safety—lower gears provide sufficient power at low speeds, while higher gears save fuel and maintain stability at high speeds. Random gear shifting during the test not only costs points but is also dangerous. For example, staying in 2nd gear at 40 km/h could over-rev the engine and lead to loss of control. I’ve seen real cases where students stalled or rear-ended others by shifting to a high gear at low speeds during exams. Develop the habit during practice: lightly tap the accelerator before shifting and confirm the speed. Don’t underestimate this—it’s a fundamental safety skill that examiners must strictly enforce. Practice adapting to traffic conditions, stay flexible with the numbers, and shift only when the car is stable. Smooth operation throughout the test is key for bonus points, ensuring seamless gear shifts without causing disruptions for others.
