Which gear is best for straight-line driving in Subject 3?
3 Answers
Subject 3 does not have specific speed requirements for straight-line driving. Generally, driving on the road should be within 30 km/h, and second gear is appropriate. Below is the relevant introduction: Straight-line driving: When the voice prompt "Please maintain straight-line driving" is heard, the candidate should look straight ahead, control the steering wheel with both hands, and keep the vehicle moving in a straight line. Riding or pressing on the road dividing line is strictly prohibited. Test content: Vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, straight-line driving, gear shifting operation, lane changing, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, left turns at intersections, right turns at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, U-turns, and nighttime driving. Safe and civilized driving knowledge test content: Safe and civilized driving operation requirements, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations such as tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge.
I also struggled with the gear selection during the straight-line driving practice. The instructor repeatedly told me that second gear is the most stable choice, with speeds between 20-30 km/h, making the car less prone to deviation and giving you enough time for minor steering adjustments. Don't think about using third gear to speed up - higher speeds make the car more unstable, and a slight hand movement can cause the direction to veer. During the test, I used second gear, focused my eyes on a distant reference point, and lightly held the steering wheel, passing in one attempt. Actually, depending on local test regulations, some places allow third gear, but second gear has a higher success rate since beginners are more comfortable controlling the car at slower speeds. During regular practice, focus on straight-line driving in second gear to build muscle memory - that's the most effective approach.
Before my last driving test (Subject 3), I specifically asked my instructor about the gear selection for the straight-line driving section. He directly told me to use second gear throughout, saying this test item doesn't require speed but emphasizes stability. Second gear's speed is just right - around 20 km/h. At this speed, the car responds when you slightly turn the steering wheel, but it's not overly sensitive to cause loss of control. Remember to adjust your seat comfortably, don't grip the steering wheel too tightly, just lightly hold it at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Keep your gaze further ahead, don't stare at the hood. On my test day, the road was somewhat uneven, but I passed slowly in second gear without crossing any lines. Third gear would also work, but once the speed exceeds 30 km/h, even slight nervous hand tremors could cause failure.
