What to do when pedestrians and motor vehicles suddenly appear during the Subject 3 driving test?
3 Answers
During the Subject 3 driving test, when passing through intersections and crosswalks, it is essential to keep an eye on all directions, slow down in advance, and always have your right foot on the brake pedal, ready to brake at any moment. Here’s how to handle such situations: 1. When encountering a pedestrian suddenly appearing: Do not panic. Actively press the brake and clutch (for automatic transmission vehicles, just press the brake). Only after the pedestrian has safely passed can you continue with the test. 2. When encountering a motor vehicle: If the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is temporarily occupying the lane, first press the brake and honk to alert them. If they do not yield, proceed forward to find a suitable spot to stop.
When I was learning to drive and taking the road test (Subject 3), my instructor always emphasized how to handle sudden pedestrian encounters. If you really encounter one, don’t panic—first, firmly press the brake to slow down while quickly scanning the front, rear, and side mirrors to confirm no other threats. If a pedestrian or vehicle suddenly appears, prioritize honking to alert them while keeping the steering wheel steady and avoiding sharp turns, which could lead to loss of control, rollover, or collisions with other vehicles. During the Subject 3 test, the examiner sits beside you grading; they want to see calm handling rather than evasive maneuvers. If you yield in time and continue driving smoothly, major points usually aren’t deducted. During practice, simulate these scenarios often on complex roads to build the habit of early observation—like slowing down at intersections to prevent surprises. Above all, safety comes first. Stay sharp during the test, and afterward, reflect on why the incident occurred—was it slow reaction time or environmental factors?—to improve your driving skills.
I remember when I took my child for the driving test, he encountered a similar situation during the road test (Section 3). The key is to immediately slow down or stop, avoiding the urge to rush into another lane to prevent collisions with pedestrians or vehicles. In case of unexpected events during the test, stay calm first, grip the steering wheel firmly without shaking, then quickly check left and right to confirm a safe zone. If the other party approaches, honk appropriately as a reminder, but avoid excessive noise that might disturb others. The test rules emphasize adaptability—if you successfully yield and resume driving, the examiner usually understands and won’t count it as a mistake; panicking and swerving, however, may lead to more deductions. To prevent such incidents, practice more on test routes during training, familiarizing yourself with potential risk points like school zones or narrow alleys. Driving safety isn’t just about theory; learning to anticipate risks in real-world situations is what truly helps you pass the test.
