Which Gear to Use When Pulling Over?

[DeMalia]

For pulling over during Subject 3 of the driving test, you should first shift to first gear before stopping. When pulling over in Subject 3, depress the clutch pedal as the speed drops below first gear's range. As the right front wheel approaches the curb, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left (the second steering adjustment) to align the vehicle and adjust the distance between the car body and the curb. When the car is about to stop, slightly lift the brake pedal to reduce braking inertia and ensure a smooth stop. More details are as follows: 1. Parking requirements: Once the vehicle enters the parking area in Subject 3, the student must use the reference points taught by the instructor to park, keeping the distance between the car body and the roadside edge line at approximately 30cm for a perfect operation. If the distance exceeds 30cm but is less than 50cm, 10 points will be deducted. 2. Methods for judging the parking distance: Generally, a prominent point inside the car is used to estimate the distance between the car body and the edge line. Common reference points include three parts: the protruding part of the wiper, the right one-third of the front of the car, and the right front door handle. The student can choose any one of these as a reference. When it aligns with the right edge line, the distance between the car body and the roadside edge line is exactly 30cm.

[VanBennett]

When pulling over to park, I always believe proper operation is crucial. For manual transmission vehicles, after coming to a complete stop, I immediately shift to neutral and firmly engage the handbrake; for automatic transmission cars, simply shift to the P position, and don't forget to apply the handbrake either. As a beginner, I learned this the hard way - once forgetting to shift gears and only pressing the brake, causing the car to roll slightly, which gave me quite a scare. Since then, I've made this a habit. Choose a level roadside spot for parking; if it's too steep, additionally engage a lower gear or reverse gear for reinforcement. The whole process becomes second nature after a few simple practices - never cut corners with improper gear shifts, as it damages the vehicle and poses risks. Safe driving starts with attention to details, protecting both yourself and others.

[JordanLynn]

Veteran driving experience tells me that shifting gears when parking is no trivial matter. When pulling over, I always shift to neutral in a manual transmission and engage the handbrake to ease the strain on the gearbox. With an automatic, promptly shifting to P (Park) is equally crucial, along with locking the wheels with the handbrake. Why? Years of driving have shown me plenty of issues: cars rolling downhill without the handbrake, causing damage, or incorrect gear selection accelerating wear. Even during temporary stops, I prefer shifting to neutral to reduce effort, especially in congested intersections to avoid frequent clutch use. Good habits like these extend a car's lifespan, cut down on repair costs, and make driving smoother. Remember, safe parking is a responsibility—never underestimate the basics.

[OBrantley]

Selecting the correct gear when parking is a fundamental safety measure. My routine is to pull over, shift a manual transmission into neutral or an automatic into Park, and ensure the parking brake is fully engaged. This prevents unintended vehicle movement or rolling, especially crucial in crowded areas to protect pedestrians. Avoid the risky shortcut of holding the brake while shifting gears for convenience. Mastering this simple procedure through practice is key.