Can I keep pressing the clutch pedal while waiting at a red light during the subject three driving test?

[MacColeman]

It is not advisable to keep pressing the clutch pedal while waiting at a red light, as this will accelerate the wear of the release bearing. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Correct practice: It is recommended to shift into neutral (N) gear when waiting at a red light, then press the brake pedal or engage the handbrake. This can prevent the car from rolling. 2. Clutch principle: The car's clutch has a release bearing. Pressing the clutch pedal or the release bearing controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch disc. The release bearing will come into contact with the pressure plate of the clutch disc, which is fixed to the engine flywheel. Therefore, as long as the engine is running, the pressure plate is also rotating.

[PresleyDella]

As an experienced manual transmission driver, I always shift to neutral and release the clutch when waiting at a red light. Keeping the clutch pedal depressed might seem convenient, but it actually causes unnecessary wear since the clutch disc remains engaged in friction. Over time, this can lead to premature failure, and repairs can be costly. Worse yet, if you're slow to react or your leg goes numb when the light turns green, the car might lurch forward unexpectedly, potentially causing a rear-end collision. Driving a manual requires good habits: shift to neutral when stopped, release the clutch, and keep your foot on the brake pedal. This protects the car and allows you to relax. With fuel prices being high these days, shifting to neutral also saves a bit of gas, adding up to significant savings over time. In short, these small habits make a big difference in both vehicle longevity and safe driving.

[Ronald]

Safety should always be the top priority when driving, which I take very seriously. When waiting at a red light, keeping your foot pressed on the clutch pedal poses significant risks—your leg may cramp from prolonged tension or cause distraction. When the light turns green, the car might lurch forward suddenly, increasing the chance of accidents in congested urban traffic. Additionally, prolonged clutch pressure accelerates wear on the clutch plates, leading to costly repairs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The correct practice is to shift into neutral, allowing your foot to rest completely, while using only the brake pedal to keep the car stationary. Developing this habit not only helps score well in driving tests (like the Chinese driving test's "Subject 3") but also prevents accidents. Especially for new drivers, mastering this technique early ensures a safer and more confident driving experience.

[OCaroline]

From the perspective of fuel efficiency and comfort, it's really not worth depressing the clutch at a red light. Shift to neutral and release it, allowing the engine to idle freely with lower fuel consumption; your foot also gets a comfortable break. Keeping it depressed means the clutch plate is silently grinding away, and excessive wear leads to costly repairs. This is considered a basic operation in the driving test (Category 3), mastering it benefits both the car and the driver.