Will Gear Shifting Shake Directly Result in Failure?
3 Answers
Gear shifting shake does not affect the test results, but it can lead to many unnecessary mistakes. It is recommended to stay relaxed during the test and avoid excessive tension. Below is additional information: 1. Upshifting Timing: When the engine has sufficient power, it emits a dull "humming" sound. If, after upshifting, there is no power shortage or shaking of the transmission mechanism, and the vehicle speed increases quickly with smooth and natural driving, it indicates accurate upshifting timing. 2. Downshifting Timing: When the vehicle speed and engine RPM continue to drop, and you feel the car losing power with engine compartment shaking, it's time to downshift one gear. Downshifting too early will cause noticeable jerking, wasting engine power and affecting the lifespan of both the engine and transmission. Downshifting too late will result in insufficient power even after downshifting, and further downshifting will still feel jerky. Misjudging the shifting timing leads to such "irreversible" consequences, inevitably affecting the driving experience.
As a veteran driving instructor who frequently teaches students at driving schools, I find this issue of jerky gear shifting quite common. During the exam, it doesn't necessarily lead to immediate failure, but the severity is key. If you only experience slight jerking once or twice, most examiners will deduct points, typically around 10-15 points, which may still leave room for recovery if you're far from the passing threshold. However, if the jerking is repeated or the car shakes significantly, the examiner will consider it a serious mistake and fail you outright, as it demonstrates poor clutch-throttle coordination and weak control, posing a safety risk. I've seen many students stumble over such details, so it's crucial to focus on synchronized clutch-throttle practice during daily training—slowly release the clutch and avoid sudden acceleration. Additionally, don't overlook that cold starts or poor road conditions can make jerking more likely; developing good habits is essential, with safety being the top priority in the exam.
Last year when I took the manual transmission driving test, I encountered this issue - the car jerked slightly several times during gear changes. The examiner didn't fail me immediately but deducted quite a few points, which eventually led to failing due to insufficient total score. I panicked a bit at the time, but realized the test rules don't fail you for every single jerk - they evaluate the overall stability of operation. In daily driving, I also find minor jerks quite common, but the strict test standards prioritize safety - if severe shaking causes rolling or loss of control, the examiner will immediately fail you. Afterwards, I practiced clutch-throttle coordination repeatedly, learning to apply throttle more gradually during gear shifts, and gradually mastered the rhythm, passing smoothly in the next attempt. This experience taught me to correct problems promptly.
