Will points be deducted for gear shifting mistakes in Subject 2?
2 Answers
Generally, no points are deducted for gear shifting mistakes in Subject 2. Subject 2 mainly assesses the candidate's ability to control the vehicle's position on the course. Shifting to the wrong gear usually does not result in point deductions, but if a wrong gear is engaged, it is still necessary to promptly switch to the correct gear to avoid affecting the vehicle's performance and, consequently, the operation of the vehicle. Typically, vehicles have 5 gears: P, R, N, D, and S. Below is an introduction to the related content: P (Parking) - Parking gear, starting gear: When the vehicle is parked and not in use, the gear is set here. At this time, the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. The vehicle must be completely stopped before using the P gear; otherwise, the mechanical parts of the automatic transmission may be damaged. R (Reverse) - Reverse gear: Used when reversing. The vehicle must not be forced into the "R" gear before it has completely stopped, or the transmission may be severely damaged. N (Neutral) - Neutral gear: Used when temporarily stopping (e.g., at a red light). This gear indicates neutral. To prevent the vehicle from rolling on a slope, the brake must be applied. D (Drive) - Drive gear: Used for normal road driving. S (Sport) - Sport mode: When this gear is engaged, the gears can be freely switched, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a period to increase the car's power. This gear will result in increased fuel consumption.
On the day of my Subject 2 driving test, I was so nervous that my palms were sweating profusely. I lost 10 points just because I failed to engage the reverse gear properly. The instructor had repeatedly emphasized that gear shifting is particularly strict in the Subject 2 exam. If your gear changes aren't smooth, or if you don't control the speed properly when depressing the clutch to shift gears, you could lose points. Especially during the hill start - one trainee stalled the car directly due to incorrect gear engagement, resulting in zero points for that entire section. That's why during practice, I paid special attention to developing muscle memory for gear shifting, demanding precise and crisp shifts every time. I've heard some regions have even stricter testing standards where even slight vehicle shudder during gear changes can cost points. So during the exam, gear shifting operations absolutely can't afford any carelessness.
