Which gear should be used for the Subject 3 driving test?

[LeEmersyn]

Subject 3 driving test gear requirements are as follows: When using first or second gear: The driving distance cannot exceed 500 meters continuously, otherwise it will be judged as failing the test. When using third gear: Accelerate until the speed reaches 20 km/h, then you can switch to third gear. When using fourth gear: When the speed exceeds 30 km/h, you can switch to fourth gear. The content of Subject 3 road driving skills test includes: Vehicle preparation, lighting simulation test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operation, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning at intersections, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving.

[JudeDella]

When preparing for the driving test (Subject 3), my instructor repeatedly emphasized that gear usage is crucial. Start in 1st gear, release the clutch slowly while applying the throttle. When accelerating on the road, shift to 2nd gear at 15-20 km/h, to 3rd at 25-30 km/h, and to 4th at 35-40 km/h. The speed in the test area generally shouldn't exceed 50 km/h, so 3rd or 4th gear is commonly used. Always slow down and shift to 2nd gear before turning for better stability when entering the curve. When stopping, first reduce speed with the brake, then press the clutch and shift to neutral. The examiner will check if the gear matches the speed appropriately: high gear at low speed may cause stalling, while low gear at high speed with loud engine noise will result in point deductions. Practice matching gears more to avoid panic during the test. My final test went smoothly mainly because of regular gear-shifting practice.

[SanAurora]

Having taught many students, I believe gear usage in Subject 3 should be more flexible. Start from 1st gear, then upshift based on speed: shift to 2nd around 20km/h, 3rd at 30km/h, and 4th at 40km/h is most appropriate. During tests, 3rd gear is commonly used on flat roads with speeds between 30-40km/h. When turning or making U-turns, slow down and shift to 2nd gear, then accelerate and upshift after safely entering the curve. Key points include clutch control—shifts should be smooth without jerking. Avoid low-gear high-speed (e.g., 1st gear at 30km/h), as the noise leads to point deductions; also avoid high-gear low-speed (4th gear at 20km/h), which may cause stalling. Use 1st gear specifically for hill starts, applying slight throttle to prevent rolling back. More practice on gear matching ensures passing the test.

[DelRuby]

When I was learning to drive, I paid special attention to the use of gears in Subject 3. Start with 1st gear, and observe speed changes on the road: use 1st or 2nd gear for low speeds, 3rd gear for medium speeds, and 4th gear or above for high speeds. During the test route, 3rd gear is most commonly used, maintaining a steady speed around 30km/h. Remember to slow down and shift to 2nd gear before turning for easier steering control. The examiner will check if the gear shifting timing is correct; if the gear and speed don’t match, it may be seen as inexperienced driving. When parking, first slow down and shift to neutral for safety. On slopes, use 1st gear to start and combine with the brake to prevent rolling. Gear selection isn’t about memorizing numbers—adjusting based on road conditions is most practical. With more practice, it becomes second nature.