Can You Release the Clutch Immediately After Shifting Gears in Subject Three?
2 Answers
You cannot release the clutch immediately. The relevant explanation is as follows: Operation requirements: The clutch operation should follow the sequence of 'slow release for first to second gear, slow release for second to third gear, quick release for third to fourth gear, and quick release for fourth to fifth gear.' When the vehicle speed is slow, the clutch should be released gradually; otherwise, the jerking sensation will be strong. Once the speed increases, quickly releasing the clutch will hardly produce any jerking sensation. Clutch: The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. The clutch is a commonly used component in mechanical transmissions, allowing the drivetrain to be disconnected or engaged at any time.
When I was learning to drive and taking the Road Test (Subject 3), this issue really gave me a hard time. Can you release the clutch immediately after shifting gears? Absolutely not, especially during test scenarios like starting off after gear changes or low-speed maneuvers—releasing it too quickly can cause the car to stall or jerk violently. Instructors always emphasize slowly releasing the clutch to let the engine RPM sync with wheel speed for smooth gear transitions. For example, if you abruptly release the clutch after shifting into reverse during parallel parking, the car will lurch forward sharply, and the examiner may deduct critical points, leading to failure. I made this mistake often early on but later learned to ease off the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator, especially crucial for hill starts. Safety is also key: stalling at intersections poses risks and disrupts traffic flow. So, practice simulating the rhythm of clutch release during gear shifts, test speed variations across different gears, and build muscle memory—it helps both for passing the test and daily driving. Remember: patience is king; never cut corners.
