When to Start the Engine in Driving Test Part 3?
3 Answers
In Driving Test Part 3, candidates should wait until they have completed all preparatory work after getting into the vehicle and received the examiner's instruction before starting the engine. Driving Test Part 3 includes the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test, which is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviated term for the road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge test subjects in the motor vehicle driver's examination. The road driving skills test content of Driving Test Part 3 generally includes: preparation before driving, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears up and down, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing through pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and night driving.
The correct timing to start the engine during the Subject 3 test is after completing the pre-driving preparations and before preparing to move off. After getting in the car, you must first adjust the seat and mirrors, fasten the seatbelt, then press the clutch and brake to check if the gear is in neutral. Only after confirming everything is correct can you turn the key to start the engine. At this point, when the system prompts for light operations, you can proceed to the next step. I learned this the hard way during practice—once I forgot to check the gear position before starting, and the gear lever was in 3rd gear, causing the car to lurch forward and stall. The instructor said this would be an immediate 100-point deduction in the test, so you must ensure all preparations are complete before starting the engine.
There are actually some nuances to the ignition steps during the driving test (Subject 3). My routine is to first adjust the seat position properly, then set all three rearview mirrors to ensure clear visibility behind me, fasten the seatbelt and give it two firm tugs to confirm it's secure. Here comes the crucial part: Press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, step on the brake with your right foot, reach out and wiggle the gearshift to confirm it's in neutral position, and only then turn the key to start the engine. Remember never to start the engine while the vehicle is moving - instructors always say this can easily burn out the starter motor. One more tip: After ignition, take a quick glance at the dashboard to check if the tachometer needle responds, which indicates the engine has started normally.
