What speed should be maintained during the straight-line driving test in Subject 3?
2 Answers
Subject 3 straight-line driving should be maintained below 40 km/h. The test requirements for straight-line driving are that within the test driving distance, the deviation of the vehicle body from the distance to the side lines on both sides must not exceed 30 cm (meaning the vehicle body must remain almost perfectly parallel to the side lines during driving), and the steering wheel must not swing more than 5 degrees. Introduction to Subject 3: Subject 3 includes the road driving skills test and the safety and civilized driving knowledge test. It is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviated name for the road driving skills and safety and 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. Subject 3 test content: The road driving skills test in Subject 3 generally includes: vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, straight-line driving, gear shifting operations, lane changing, pulling over, driving straight through intersections, left turns at intersections, right turns at intersections, passing through pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, U-turns, and night driving. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test generally includes: requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge.
As a driving instructor, I often guide students through the Subject 3 test. For the straight-line driving section, the speed should generally be maintained between 30 to 40 km/h, which is stable and safe. If the speed is too low, such as below 20 km/h, the car may shake and become unstable, possibly leading to point deductions by the examiner. If the speed is too high, like above 50 km/h, it can easily lead to loss of control and deviation, resulting in an immediate fail. I advise students to drive in second gear, gently pressing the accelerator to maintain a steady speed of around 35 km/h, keeping their eyes on the distance ahead and making slight steering adjustments without jerking the wheel. Straight-line driving may seem simple, but it is a key segment that tests basic control skills. Poor speed control can lead to directional deviation, so it’s important to practice maintaining a steady speed. During the actual test, stay calm and relaxed—keeping the speedometer around 35 km/h is perfectly fine.
