Which is More Difficult: Subject 3 or Subject 2?

[McElizabeth]

Subject 3 is easier than Subject 2. Introduction to Motor Vehicle Driving License: The full name of the driving license is the motor vehicle driving license, also known as the "driver's license." It is a certificate required by law for individuals who operate motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, operating a vehicle recklessly could lead to traffic accidents. Generally, individuals without a license are not allowed to drive on the road. However, for those who have mastered safe driving techniques, the document that permits them to drive on the road is the "driving license." Content of Driving License Examination: Traffic regulations and related knowledge (Subject 1) — written test. Field driving (Subject 2) — conducted on-site with an actual vehicle. The result is either pass or fail. All nine mandatory test items must be passed to successfully complete Subject 2. Road driving (Subject 3) — conducted on a road or simulated field with an actual vehicle. The examination is fully monitored by electronic surveillance and traffic police, ensuring fairness in the road test. After the road test, there is an additional theoretical test on safe and civilized driving (commonly known as Subject 4). The difference from Subject 1 is the inclusion of image analysis and judgment.

[Autumn]

When I was getting my driver's license, I found Subject Two the most challenging, mainly because parking maneuvers like reverse parking and parallel parking required millimeter-level precision—one slight misstep and you'd cross the line and fail. During practice, I spent half a month at the driving school every single day, memorizing the exact points and timings for steering wheel turns, all while worrying about misjudging the rearview mirrors. Subject Three was much easier—the road test allowed more freedom in driving, and despite traffic and traffic lights, the examiner provided guidance, which reduced the pressure. Several of my friends failed Subject Two more than twice but passed Subject Three on their first try. I think the difference lies in Subject Two being more rigid and mechanical, with almost no margin for error or chance to adjust movements, whereas Subject Three relies more on intuition and becomes manageable with practice. While mastering Subject Two is indeed crucial for building a solid foundation in daily driving, the exam itself was truly torturous—I had nightmares about hitting poles every night.

[Isabel]

As a seasoned driver, I personally found the third driving test (Subject 3) more challenging due to the unpredictable nature of real-road conditions. During my Subject 2 test in the closed course, I could take my time performing standardized maneuvers like reversing after sufficient practice. But on my Subject 3 exam day, an electric scooter suddenly darted from my blind spot while I was driving, startling me into nearly slamming the brakes and hitting a pedestrian—thankfully the examiner's reminder saved me from major point deductions. Such emergencies are commonplace in actual driving where novice reflexes often fail. Comparatively, Subject 2 resembles a memorization-based skill test without external disruptions. Now with years behind the wheel, I realize Subject 3 truly evaluates adaptability and safety awareness—the essence of driving. My advice: prioritize realistic road scenario simulations over theoretical memorization during preparation, as the psychological aspect of practical testing outweighs technical mastery itself.

[VonHailey]

After teaching for so many years, I believe the overall difficulty of Subject Two is higher. Students often stumble on details, such as the precise adjustments required for reversing positions and steering wheel timing—a single lapse can lead to failure. Data shows that the failure rate for Subject Two is slightly higher, with many young learners becoming overly nervous, fearing they can't park properly and thus repeatedly practicing the same maneuver. Although Subject Three has variables on the road, the rules are more flexible—students just need to follow traffic regulations and maintain a steady speed. I usually emphasize the importance of foundational skills; mastering Subject Two makes transitioning to Subject Three smoother. However, some students with strong road intuition may find Subject Three simpler and more straightforward—it largely depends on individual adaptability. Overall, Subject Two serves more as a foundational stepping stone; without solid skills, skipping steps isn't advisable.

[VanLucy]

Learning to drive in my 40s, the third subject (road test) was more stressful for me, requiring instant reactions and hand-foot coordination, unlike the second subject (closed-course test) where I could practice slowly and thoroughly. During the road test, encountering traffic or pedestrians always made me react half a beat slower—my hands and feet couldn’t keep up with my thoughts. It took two failures before I adapted to the rhythm. In contrast, maneuvers like reversing in the second subject could be memorized through repetition. This age-related difference made me realize that younger people might be more agile, but for someone like me with slightly declining reflexes, the unpredictability of the road test added extra pressure. Even now in daily driving, I often remind myself to slow down at intersections to prevent accidents—the test was truly a mental battle. Practicing more on real roads builds confidence; don’t just focus on closed-course drills.