Do I Need to Press the Clutch When Starting the Car in Subject Three?
3 Answers
No need to press the brake, just press the clutch to start the car and slowly release the clutch. When preparing to get in the car, pay attention to the correct procedure. First, report to the examiner, then request a vehicle inspection. Be mindful of your movements during this process, as there may be cameras monitoring. If your actions are not up to standard, you may be directly judged as failing, so ensure your movements are proper. After the inspection is complete, get into the car. Precautions for Subject Three: Do not panic when starting; stay steady: First, press the clutch, shift to first gear, turn on the left turn signal, honk the horn, check the rearview mirror, and look back to confirm safety. Then, release the handbrake and slowly release the clutch to start. If you are on an uphill slope, make sure to press the brake before releasing the handbrake, reach the semi-clutch point, then release the brake and start. Accurately judge traffic light timing: When approaching an intersection, if you cannot accurately calculate the remaining time of a red light, the best approach is to wait for the next green light. Use the brake correctly: Even in emergencies, stay calm and avoid confusing the accelerator and brake pedals. While driving, always control your speed. In emergencies, you can press both the clutch and brake simultaneously. Additionally, when passing bus stops or schools, generally apply the brake lightly when about 30 meters away from the target. When approaching a turn, always brake early to reduce speed. Shift gears correctly, ensuring speed and gear match: When performing gear shifts, always maintain a match between speed and gear. Generally, 0-15 km/h corresponds to 1st gear, 15-25 km/h to 2nd gear, 25-35 km/h to 3rd gear, 35-40 km/h to 4th gear, and 40-55 km/h to 5th gear. During gear shifts, it is best to shift sequentially and avoid skipping gears.
During the driving test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must press the clutch before starting the vehicle in Subject 3. This is mainly to prevent the car from suddenly lurching forward if it's in gear, especially if some students forget to shift to neutral. I've personally seen a student start the car without pressing the clutch, causing the car to jerk forward half a meter—fortunately, there was no car in front. This action is a strict scoring point in the test, and the safety officer watches it very carefully. Developing this habit during practice is crucial, not only for passing the test but also for ensuring safety when driving on your own later. Remember to also confirm that the gear is in neutral and the handbrake is fully engaged to complete the proper procedure.
As someone who just got my license, I can tell you that pressing the clutch is absolutely essential in the starting procedure for Subject 3. The engine generates significant torque at startup, and pressing the clutch cuts off power transmission to prevent unintended vehicle movement. I remember my instructor mentioning that many new cars now have safety designs where the engine won't start unless the clutch is pressed. Making a mistake on this detail during the test will cost you points—one of my fellow trainees stumbled here. My advice is to practice until this action becomes muscle memory: press the clutch pedal all the way with your left foot before turning the key, and take a quick glance at the dashboard to confirm it's in neutral.
