When to Shift Gears in Subject 3 Driving Test?
2 Answers
Subject 3 requires gear shifting during starting, U-turns, turning at intersections, and pulling over. Below are detailed explanations: Starting gear shift: In the Subject 3 test, whenever restarting after stopping, first gear must be used. It's recommended that trainees develop the habit of shifting to neutral immediately after stopping during practice, making it less likely to select the wrong gear when starting. U-turn gear shift: Subject 3 standards clearly specify that first gear must be used for U-turns. After hearing the U-turn voice command, first reduce speed and gradually shift down to first gear. After completing the U-turn, immediately accelerate by gradually upshifting from first to second then third gear. Intersection turn gear shift: All intersection turns must be performed in second gear. When hearing the turn command, lightly brake to reduce speed to 20km/h, then fully depress the clutch and shift to second gear. Pulling over gear shift: There's no specific gear requirement for this maneuver, but first gear is recommended for easier operation. After hearing the pull-over command, brake to reduce speed, gradually downshift to first gear, then control speed using the clutch (similar to Subject 2 test) without using the accelerator. First gear's slow speed allows sufficient time to adjust the vehicle's position relative to the roadside.
When I was learning to drive and taking the third subject test, my instructor kept nagging about a few key gear-shifting points, otherwise it's easy to fail. After starting, you have to shift to second gear within about 10 meters to speed up, don't linger too long crawling in first gear. When turning, slow down in advance and shift down to first gear, especially for 90-degree turns or sharp bends, maintaining a low speed for a smooth turn. When driving straight and the speed reaches around 35 km/h, you should shift up to third or fourth gear, otherwise the engine roars like a tractor. Before encountering intersections, crosswalks, or school zones, slow down and shift down to prepare for braking, shifting to a lower gear when approaching below 30 km/h to prepare to stop or slow down. Before stopping, it's essential to downshift to neutral or first gear and pull the handbrake. These are the key points the examiner focuses on, and it took me many practices to master the rhythm and ensure safe driving.
