Can You Step on the Accelerator During the Driving Test's Subject 2?
4 Answers
During the Subject 2 test, the accelerator of the test vehicle is disabled, so stepping on it has no effect. This is because the test area is relatively small, and the test items are generally designed to be passed at low speeds. Additionally, considering that students do not yet have deep control over the vehicle, the use of the accelerator is basically not allowed. The method to successfully complete the hill start and stop using the clutch is as follows: 1. When stopping at the designated point, the key is not to press the clutch all the way down. When starting, slowly release the clutch until you feel the car vibrate noticeably but not stall, then release the clutch a bit more and hold it steady without moving, then gradually release the brake. 2. If you feel the speed is too fast when going downhill, you can gently apply the brake until you have completely descended and the speed stabilizes, then release the brake and clutch.
When I was taking the driving test for Subject Two, I was particularly worried about the accelerator. The instructor repeatedly reminded me not to step on the accelerator casually, as the entire test was designed for you to control the speed with the clutch. Operations like reversing into a garage and parallel parking require extremely slow speeds, and stepping on the accelerator could easily lead to loss of control and hitting the poles. However, starting on a slope is an exception. Sometimes, if the clutch is released too quickly, the car might roll backward, and then you need to gently press the accelerator to supplement the power. I remember the idle speed of the training car used in the test was set quite high, so it could move even without pressing the accelerator on flat ground. The key is to listen to the instructor's guidance, as the rules of the test venues may vary slightly from place to place, but the core principle is to be cautious when using the accelerator.
After years of instructing students, I always emphasize this about using the accelerator in Subject 2: Never touch the accelerator when practicing parking or S-curves. Beginners tend to panic, and if they step on the accelerator, the speed can skyrocket, leading to disaster. However, for the hill start, it's essential to teach them accelerator techniques—like gently tapping the accelerator with their right foot while the clutch is half-engaged to prevent rolling back more than 30 cm. Many test cars have their idle speed adjusted higher, and for automatic transmission cars, it’s simpler—just rely on the brake. Before each test, I have students simulate hill starts on the training ground, ensuring they master the coordination between the accelerator and clutch before taking the exam.
The driving test rules are actually quite clear: for Subject 2, except for gently pressing the accelerator during hill starts, it's best not to touch it for other items. Test vehicles are usually adjusted with higher idle speeds, so they can move on their own even when the steering wheel is fully turned. For example, in reverse parking, just controlling the clutch is sufficient—pressing the accelerator makes it harder to adjust the position. Nowadays, some places use electric test vehicles, where the throttle response is too quick and prone to errors. Our instructor directly said that 90% of the test items don't require pressing the accelerator, and exceeding 3 km/h might even result in point deductions.
