Do I Need to Press the Clutch and Brake When Starting the Engine in Subject Two?
2 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, you only need to press the brake to start. For manual transmission vehicles, the clutch must be fully pressed when starting. On flat roads or downhill starts, there is no need to press the brake. However, for uphill starts, you need to press the brake, though you can also use the handbrake instead of the footbrake. The clutch must be pressed; otherwise, the vehicle will stall. There are four main subjects in the driving test. Here are the details: 1. Subject One: Road passage, traffic signals, handling of traffic safety violations and accidents, regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driving licenses, motor vehicle registration, and road traffic safety laws and regulations. 2. Subject Two: Reversing into a garage, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, curve driving, and right-angle turns. 3. Subject Three: Road driving skills. Preparation before driving, starting, changing lanes, left turns at intersections, right turns at intersections, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and night driving. 4. Subject Four: Safe and civilized driving knowledge (theory).
As a new driver who just passed the second driving test, I remember my instructor repeatedly emphasized the importance of pressing the clutch when starting the engine. In a manual transmission car, if you don't press the clutch while starting, the vehicle might jerk forward or stall, especially on slopes where it could roll back. Failing the test is one thing, but the safety risks are serious. During practice, I once tried starting without pressing the clutch, and the car gave a small jump, which really scared me. The instructor said that pressing the clutch is mandatory in the second test, and sometimes you should also press the brake as a precaution. Developing this habit makes driving smoother. The principle is simple: pressing the clutch disconnects the engine from the wheels, making ignition much safer. Now, every time I drive, I instinctively press the clutch before starting. I advise fellow learners to practice this diligently—don’t cut corners, as the test is strict, and forgetting could lead to an immediate failure.
