Who is Responsible for Accidents During the Subject 3 Driving Test?
3 Answers
Introduction to liability for accidents during the Subject 3 driving test: 1. The test center bears partial responsibility: If the accident occurred due to inadequate safety measures by the test center, the center must bear a portion of the liability, though not the full responsibility. 2. The examinee is responsible: The liability is also analyzed based on the examinee's actions. If the examinee followed all regulations during the test and the accident was caused by another vehicle on the road, that vehicle would bear full responsibility. However, if the accident resulted from the examinee's improper operation or failure to heed the instructor's advice, the examinee would be held fully accountable. 3. The instructor is responsible: Additionally, the liability depends on the driving school where the examinee is enrolled. Generally, examinees taking the Subject 3 test have been approved by their instructors in terms of skill. If an accident occurs during the test, both the driving school and the instructor share some responsibility. If the accident was entirely caused by the instructor's incorrect guidance, the instructor would bear all remaining liability.
After getting my driver's license, I learned that in case of an accident during the Subject 3 test, liability usually depends on the circumstances. If the candidate's improper operation, such as running a red light or speeding, is the cause, the primary responsibility lies with the candidate. However, the driving school and test center may also share some liability due to their supervisory obligations. If the examiner makes an error in on-site instructions, the testing institution is responsible for compensating for related losses. As for financial compensation, it is usually covered by the test insurance purchased by the candidate. Without insurance, the candidate has to pay out of pocket. To minimize risks, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the route and vehicle conditions before the test and avoid nervousness that could lead to poor judgment. I remember my friend had a minor scrape during the test, and the insurance company covered most of the costs, while the driving school chipped in for some repair fees. In short, accidents are a double-edged sword—they can affect test results and involve legal liabilities, so prevention is key.
I think the responsibility in a Category 3 driving test accident should clearly identify the active party. As the driver, if the candidate makes a mistake due to nervousness and causes an accident, they will definitely bear the primary responsibility, but this isn’t entirely an individual issue. If the driving school provides vehicles with poor conditions or inadequate training quality—such as brake failure or blurry rearview mirrors—the instructor and the driving school must share the responsibility. As for the examination authority, if improper examiner scheduling or signal interference leads to an accident, they also have undeniable accountability. In terms of compensation, insurance is commonly relied upon, so candidates should confirm whether the insurance terms cover the test procedures when signing the agreement. From my observation, many accidents stem from sudden changes in road conditions or fatigue driving. For safety, candidates should maintain a good mental state, and familiarizing themselves with the test environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. If an accident does occur, don’t panic—contact the examiner and the driving school immediately to handle the follow-up.
