What speed to shift gears in Subject 3?
2 Answers
Subject 3 gear and speed standards: 1st gear: 0-20 km/h 2nd gear: 5-30 km/h 3rd gear: 15-40 km/h 4th gear: 30-55 km/h The highest gear required in Subject 3 is 4th gear, which should be shifted during straight-line driving. Avoid looking down at the gearshift when changing gears. Gear changes should be based on the vehicle's RPM. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and constantly observe traffic conditions. Students who are not proficient in gear shifting can practice more at the driving school. During practice, it's essential to develop the habit of avoiding looking down at the gearshift. Shift gears progressively - accelerate to upshift, decelerate to downshift. Speed and gear must always match. Gear shifting must be done one level at a time; skipping gears is not allowed. When decelerating, first reduce the speed before downshifting. If you accidentally engage the wrong gear, fully depress the clutch and shift again. When starting the vehicle, use 1st gear. Always fully depress the clutch when shifting, otherwise the gear may not engage. Gear changes should be quick but steady. When adjusting gears, shift immediately once the speed drops - it must be done quickly. The 100-meter acceleration and deceleration test evaluates the student's speed in gear shifting.
I recently passed the Subject 3 test, and I’m sharing my firsthand experience on the right timing for gear shifting. You must start in first gear, then shift to second when the speed reaches around 15 km/h—don’t rush this step or the car will jerk. Next, the smoothest shift to third gear happens when the speed stabilizes between 20 to 25 km/h; accelerate beyond 30 km/h before shifting to fourth. Since the test focuses on road driving, keep an eye on the speedometer and coordinate with the clutch—press it fully to shift, then release slowly while giving gas. Remember, downshifting is equally important—for example, when slowing to 20 km/h, drop to second or third gear to avoid stalling during turns. During my test, I once shifted too early and lost power, but my instructor reminded me to focus more on road conditions. Subject 3 demands strict sequence and safety, but practicing a few times builds habits that help daily driving too.
