
In Subject 3, lane changing should be done in first or second gear. Here are the details: Precautions for overtaking: Overtaking in first gear is not allowed in the Subject 3 test. If you change lanes to overtake without accelerating, the speed will be too low, and a mismatch between the gear and speed will result in test failure. Test content: The test includes preparation before getting on the car, simulated nighttime lighting test, starting, driving straight, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, passing through intersections straight, 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 nighttime driving. The test content for other types of vehicles eligible for driving is determined by the provincial traffic management departments of the public security authorities.

I remember being particularly nervous about lane changes before my driving test (Subject 3). The instructor kept reminding me that you must shift to second gear before changing lanes, with the ideal speed between 20-30 km/h. First gear won't work - too low and the car will shake, which means immediate point deduction in the exam. Third gear or above is too fast and dangerous. During my first practice, I attempted a lane change in first gear and the steering wheel felt unstable, making the examiner frown and nearly fail me. After more practice, I learned to first accelerate to second gear, stabilize, then signal, check mirrors to confirm no cars before turning - it became smooth instantly. Safety first! New drivers should remember this - don't just focus on accelerating. After mastering second gear, the whole test went much smoother, and the examiner even praised my steady operation. The key is really just speed matching.

The gear selection for lane changing depends entirely on speed control. I've observed that a common mistake during novice driving tests is forcing a lane change in first gear or at low speeds, which often causes the car to jerk and leads to point deductions. Since the third road test emphasizes smoothness, it's safest to shift to second gear promptly after starting and change lanes at 20-25 km/h. If the speed is higher, shifting to third gear is also acceptable, but avoid excessive speed to prevent loss of control. Remember to synchronize with turn signals and mirror checks, preparing at least 50 meters in advance. I've emphasized this during practice sessions—simulating road conditions and practicing gear-shifting sequences can be highly beneficial. Don't overlook safety details; maintain proper following distance and accelerate smoothly, and your test pass rate will naturally improve.

You'll get used to driving manual transmission after a while. Changing lanes in second gear feels most comfortable, first gear is too slow and causes jerking - examiners don't like that during tests. Shift to second gear when reaching about 20km/h for smoother operation. Don't delay upshifting too long, first signal and ensure safety before turning the wheel - doing it in one motion saves trouble. The driving test mainly evaluates smoothness, beginners just need more practice to adapt. I've seen many fail by forgetting to upshift when changing lanes, regretting it afterward. Remember the principle: using the right gear makes driving more enjoyable.


