Can I Shift Directly from 1st Gear to 2nd Gear by Pulling Down?
2 Answers
No. It is not advisable to directly pull down from 1st gear to 2nd gear during Subject 3 (road test). Since this is an examination, many operations must follow the prescribed steps; otherwise, the system may fail to detect the action, leading to point deductions. Therefore, for Subject 3, it is more appropriate to shift from 1st gear to neutral first and then pull down to 2nd gear. Additional tips for Subject 3 are as follows: Speed Reduction: When hearing the voice prompt, activate the right turn signal, observe the traffic behind, and reduce speed or downshift if necessary. After ensuring safety, gradually move into the right lane. When the raised part of the windshield wiper aligns with the right lane line, the vehicle should be approximately 30 centimeters away from the line. Courtesy: During encounters with other vehicles, adhere to the "three yielding principles"—slow down first, yield first, and stop first. Avoid aggressive driving or refusing to yield, which could lead to a standoff.
Veteran drivers who drive manual transmission cars know that pulling straight down from 1st to 2nd gear is standard practice. The gear layout is designed with this logic in mind—diagonally pulling down from 1st to 2nd is completely fine. Having driven manual cars for over a decade, I always shift this way when accelerating from a stop, skipping the step of returning to neutral, making the process smooth as butter. However, beginners might feel nervous at first—if the clutch isn't fully depressed and forced, it can cause a grinding noise. In reality, as long as you reduce the speed to around 15 km/h and coordinate the throttle-clutch synchronization, the whole process becomes as natural as silk gliding. Remember to keep your wrist relaxed during shifting and avoid fighting the steering wheel—this actually reduces transmission wear.
