
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 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.

I passed the driving test's third subject on my first try. During the straight-line driving section, the required speed was around 35 km/h, and the examiner kept a close eye on the speedometer, emphasizing stability. On the test day, I drove in second gear, maintaining a steady speed of 35 km/h. Going too fast would prompt the examiner to tell me to slow down, while going too slow made the car unstable, causing the examiner to frown. Beginners often panic during practice, pressing the accelerator too hard and lurching forward—it's essential to learn how to use your foot for smooth acceleration. The straight-line driving section is simple but crucial; maintaining the right speed ensures the car doesn't drift. Reflecting on the test, my instructor said the standard range is 30 to 40 km/h, with 35 km/h being ideal because it's a safe and controllable speed for urban roads. Remember, speed stability is one of the key scoring criteria, and it's just as important in everyday driving.

Long-term invigilation of Subject 3 reveals that the straight-line driving requirement specifies a speed between 30 to 50 km/h, though most candidates maintain around 35 km/h in practice. Exceeding this range—such as dropping below 30 km/h causing stuttering or surpassing 50 km/h leading to skidding—results in immediate point deductions or failure. The key is maintaining steady speed control without sudden acceleration or deceleration, with minimal steering wheel adjustments. This segment tests fundamental driving stability, and a moderate speed helps candidates demonstrate their skills. A common mistake among beginners is fixating on the speedometer while neglecting road conditions; it's advised to glance at the gauge peripherally and stay relaxed. The speed regulations stem from safety considerations, with 30 km/h as the minimum and 50 km/h as the maximum to prevent accidents.

As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I recall that maintaining a speed of 30-40 km/h during the straight-line driving section of Subject 3 was the safest approach. Back then, I drove the driving school's Santana in second gear, and the speedometer showed around 35 km/h, which made the examiner nod in approval. Driving too slowly can make the car sluggish and unstable, while going too fast increases the risk of veering off course. During practice, the instructor emphasized applying the throttle evenly and focusing on the distant horizon. The key to passing the test isn’t speed but stability—keeping a steady 35 km/h helps avoid directional errors. A common mistake beginners make is uneven pedal control, leading to unintended acceleration or deceleration. Remember, maintaining a constant speed is the crucial point.

From the perspective of driving principles, maintaining a speed of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour in straight-line driving is reasonable. At this speed in second gear, the engine runs smoothly, which is beneficial for straight-line stability. Speeds below 20 km/h make steering difficult to control and prone to deviation, while speeds above 50 km/h reduce maneuverability. The standard range for the third driving test is 30-50 km/h, but for the straight-line section, 35 km/h is recommended. During practice, the throttle should be applied gently and steadily to avoid sudden surges. In terms of safety, a speed of 35 km/h on urban roads ensures sufficient safety distance and quick directional adjustments. From a technical standpoint, maintaining a stable speed is a fundamental skill, and high exam pass rates should not lead to neglecting details.


