What to Do If You Shift to the Wrong Gear in Subject 2?
3 Answers
Shifting to the wrong gear but not moving and then shifting back is fine. Shifting to the wrong gear and driving forward, even if you stop midway, will cost you one of your two attempts. If you shift to the wrong gear during reverse parking or parallel parking and the car hasn't started moving, it doesn't count as a mistake. However, if you realize you've shifted to the wrong gear after the car has started moving, it will be considered a failure.
When I was taking the driving test for Subject 2, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the correct response to shifting into the wrong gear. Immediately press the clutch pedal all the way down and keep it depressed, quickly move the gear lever back to neutral with your right hand, pause for 1 second, and then shift into the correct gear. The key is to keep the clutch fully depressed throughout the process, otherwise the car will stall directly and result in failing the test. I remember a girl at our driving school who abruptly released the clutch after shifting into reverse by mistake, causing the car to jerk violently and points were deducted. If this happens during the test, don't panic and raise your hand to call the examiner. First, check the dashboard to confirm the gear letter. Usually, shifting into the wrong gear only deducts 10 points, so there's still a chance. I make it a habit to feel the position of the gear lever with my palm before shifting, especially since the R and 1st gear positions are close together—it's safer to double-check by touching them a couple of times.
Last year, while invigilating student driving tests, I witnessed too many cases of incorrect gear shifting. It's easy to make mistakes when shifting gears after fully turning the steering wheel, as the frantic movements can distract from checking the gear position. If you realize you've shifted incorrectly, never force it. First, check if the tachometer needle jumps. If the RPM suddenly surges, it indicates gear clash – immediately depress the clutch fully to cut off power. I recommend developing a triple-check habit during practice: glance at the gear diagram before shifting, feel the engagement sensation during shifting, and peek at the dashboard before releasing the clutch. A useful tip: if the gear lever gets stuck and won't move, it might be the synchronizer not being fully engaged. Just return to neutral, release and re-depress the clutch, then try shifting again.
