Do I Need to Press the Clutch and Brake When Starting the Engine in Subject Two?
2 Answers
You need to press the brake. Pressing the clutch when starting the engine may cause the vehicle to roll due to insufficient handbrake effectiveness. At this time, pressing the brake can control the situation and prevent accidents caused by forgetting to press the clutch when starting the engine in gear, which may lead to the vehicle lurching forward. When starting the engine in gear, pressing the brake can instantly stall the engine and avoid accidents. For manual transmission vehicles, you can start the engine directly if you confirm it is in neutral. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended to press the clutch pedal before starting to prevent the vehicle from suddenly moving forward if it is not in neutral. New drivers must familiarize themselves with the brake position and make braking an instinctive action.
Driving schools repeatedly emphasize that you must press the clutch before starting the engine, which is particularly important. Otherwise, the car might lurch forward and cause danger. I remember during driving lessons, the instructor kept a close eye on us, demanding that we press the clutch while ensuring the gear is in neutral. This is even more strictly enforced during the Category 2 field test, though pressing the brake isn't a mandatory requirement. Especially for uphill starts, you need to press the brake along with the clutch for stable control. For parking on flat ground, just pressing the clutch to start the engine is acceptable. Always remember to check if the handbrake is released during each operation—many beginners get into trouble by forgetting to release it. Once you develop the habit, the starting procedure becomes very smooth.
