Why is the passing rate for Subject 3 so low?
4 Answers
Subject 3 has more test items and requires attention to more details: The Subject 3 driving test includes a variety of items, totaling 16 tasks such as vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, lane changing, overtaking, and making a U-turn. With so many test items, there are numerous details to pay attention to, and candidates can easily fail if they are not careful. Less practice time for Subject 3: The practice time for Subject 3 is only about three to four days, which is relatively short. With limited practice, many students are not proficient in handling the mechanical performance of the vehicle, making it easy to encounter problems during the test. Mindset is more critical for Subject 3: Since Subject 3 is conducted on actual driving roads with heavy traffic, candidates need to pay attention to details while also being aware of other vehicles and road conditions. For students, besides nervousness, there is also fear. Therefore, adjusting one's mindset is crucial for passing the Subject 3 test.
I totally relate to the low pass rate of Subject 3! Last year, it took my cousin three attempts to pass. The main challenges lie in real-time reactions to actual road conditions, like panicking when an electric scooter suddenly cuts in. The electronic examiner is much stricter than coaches - failing to signal 0.5 seconds early during lane changes gets points deducted, and parking over 30cm from the curb means instant failure. Many trainees only practice fixed routes at driving schools, so they get flustered by unfamiliar traffic light countdowns at test centers. My advice: rent an exam car for trial runs to familiarize yourself with voice commands, wear the same shoes you trained in for better pedal feel, and never look down while shifting gears!
Our driving school instructor said the failure rate for Subject 3 (Road Test) is consistently around 40%. The fatal points lie in overlooked details: forgetting to release the handbrake when starting, or failing to tap the brake when passing bus stops are common occurrences. The simulated nighttime lighting test is where most stumble, especially the combined operation of fog lights and hazard warning lights—even experienced learners often trip up here. Many also mistakenly believe keeping the steering wheel straight is enough for straight-line driving, when in fact minor adjustments based on road conditions are necessary. The two most frustrating reasons for examiners to hit the brakes: hesitating to accelerate when overtaking due to sudden approaching traffic from behind, or indecisively stopping on pedestrian crossings during the last three seconds of a green light. Remember, when encountering a yellow light at intersections, you should slow down and stop.
Those who have passed the test know that the biggest enemy in Subject 3 is the safety officer. On my third attempt, it was raining, and the rearview mirrors were completely fogged up. I was judged for dangerous driving as soon as I tried to wipe them. Paying attention to these details can save you: don't rush to fasten your seatbelt when getting in the car, first adjust the seat and rearview mirrors; when parking by the roadside, avoid pressing against the roadside drainage ditch; if you find yourself in the wrong lane after changing lanes, wait for the voice prompt to finish before making any moves. The position of the wipers on the test car is different from that on the training car, making it easy to cross the line when road markings are obscured. It's advisable to bring a towel in case of rain.
