Which gear should be used for lane changing in Subject 3?
5 Answers
There is no specified gear for lane changing in Subject 3. The degree of steering wheel movement during lane changing in Subject 3 is inversely proportional to the vehicle speed. This means that the faster the speed, the smaller the steering wheel movement should be; if the speed is slow, the steering wheel movement should be slightly larger. Generally, for lane changing, the steering wheel movement should be controlled at around 10 degrees. Below are the relevant details: 1. Using 1st gear for overtaking in Subject 3 is not allowed. Lane changing and overtaking without accelerating will result in too low speed, and mismatched gear and speed will lead to test failure; 2. The content of the Subject 3 road driving skill test includes large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and small automatic transmission cars for the disabled; 3. The test includes preparation before getting on the car, simulated nighttime light test, starting, driving straight, gear shifting operation, lane changing, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school areas, passing bus stations, meeting vehicles, overtaking, turning around, and nighttime driving; the test content for other permitted vehicle types is determined by the provincial traffic management department of the public security authority.
When I was taking the road test (Subject 3), my instructor taught us the techniques for lane changing. Step one is to start the car in first gear and accelerate until the speed reaches around 20 km/h, then shift to second gear to prepare for the lane change, as second gear provides steady power and reduces the risk of stalling. Turn on the turn signal for at least three seconds, carefully check the rearview mirror, turn your head to confirm the blind spot is clear, and then smoothly steer into the lane. Never shift to a lower gear at high speed or force a higher gear at low speed. For example, once during practice, I tried changing lanes in third gear at 15 km/h, and the car shook so badly the examiner just shook his head. The Subject 3 test often involves lane changes on urban roads at speeds between 20 to 30 km/h, where second or third gear is suitable, but the speed must match the gear. Safe observation is key. After practicing a few times, you’ll get used to it—coordinating gear shifts with actions to show the examiner your driving is reliable and stable.
Having driven manual transmission cars for over a decade, lane changing has become second nature to me. On flat roads, gear selection depends on speed: around 20 km/h, second gear feels most comfortable, while shifting to third gear above 30 km/h makes the operation smoother. If the speed is too low, using a higher gear can cause the car to jerk; too high is unsafe. During the driving test (Subject 3), lane changes on urban roads are typically required at around 25 km/h, where third gear is ideal because it provides sufficient power and minimal vibration. For safety, always observe first, signal early, check mirrors, and then steer. When I was a beginner, I once forgot to straighten the wheel after changing lanes and lost points. Now, experience tells me that gear selection is just an aid—smooth overall driving is what matters most for high scores in Subject 3. Examiners appreciate stable vehicle operation, so remember not to overlook the details of signal usage.
During my learning process for Subject 3, I discovered that gear selection is crucial when changing lanes. Normally after starting the car and accelerating to second gear, the optimal speed for lane changing is between 20-25 km/h. Signal for 3 seconds, check the rear, then merge smoothly into the lane - the entire action should be executed seamlessly. Gear must match speed: too low (neutral or first gear at high speed) risks stalling; too high (gear-speed mismatch) causes vehicle shaking and examiner deductions. During the Subject 3 test, second or third gear are commonly used with emphasis on smoothness - focus on overall safety rather than specific numbers. Practice simulating road conditions to reinforce memory; reducing gear errors builds operational confidence.
Changing lanes during the driving test (Subject 3) can be quite fun, the key is not to get nervous and mess up the gear shifts. After getting the car moving, shifting to second or third gear makes it easy to handle, and lane changes are smoothest at speeds around 20 km/h. During my test, I forgot to signal first and just cut lanes randomly, making the examiner frown until he quickly reminded me to correct it – a lesson learned. Gear selection matters: use second gear at low speeds to provide thrust for accelerating during lane changes; for high-speed lane changes, third gear ensures smoother transitions, but don’t go too fast to avoid speeding. Subject 3 rules prioritize safety first—choosing the right gear keeps the car running smoothly and the examiner happy. A few more practice runs will naturally help you get familiar with gear rhythms, making it easier to pass the test.
