Do You Need to Press the Clutch to Start the Engine in Subject 3?
3 Answers
You do not need to press the clutch to start the engine in Subject 3, but you must press the clutch and brake when shifting gears. Below are some key points to note for Subject 3: Pay attention to your actions: When completing the pre-driving preparation process, be mindful of your actions as there may be cameras. If your actions are not performed correctly, you may be directly judged as failing. Therefore, ensure your actions are proper and board the vehicle after the inspection is complete. Apply brakes in specific areas: When passing through crosswalks, bus stops, and school zones, remember to slow down and downshift in advance, applying the brakes. Only after passing these areas can you accelerate to proceed with the next part of the test.
As a driving instructor, I want to emphasize that depressing the clutch is mandatory when starting the engine during the License Test Subject 3, especially for manual transmission vehicles. This isn't just an examination requirement but a fundamental safety operation. Engaging the clutch disconnects power transmission, preventing the vehicle from lurching forward during ignition and avoiding accidental collisions. I repeatedly stress this point during instruction because many trainees forget to depress the clutch during their first startup, resulting in stalling or point deductions. Subject 3 particularly focuses on details - like verifying neutral gear position and parking brake engagement - which are crucial for passing the test. Automatic transmission vehicles don't require clutch depression during startup (simply shift to P mode), but if your test vehicle is manual, never skip this step. Developing proper habits from the very first operation ensures safer driving and makes examination success more achievable.
Over twenty years of driving experience has taught me that pressing the clutch when starting the engine is a habitual action, especially during the Category 3 driving test where strict adherence is required. Depressing the clutch before ignition ensures the car remains still without any sudden jerks, eliminating that panicky feeling of lurching forward. During the test, examiners closely monitor this small but critical step—failing to do so results in immediate point deductions and retests, which can be quite troublesome. Manual transmission vehicles absolutely require this practice, while automatics simply need to be in Park (P) mode to start, though Category 3 tests predominantly focus on manual transmissions. Safety-wise, it’s a smart precaution: pressing the clutch protects both driver and vehicle while reducing wear on the starter motor. Even when teaching my child to drive, I emphasize this routine: 'Before starting, engage the handbrake, check for neutral gear, press the clutch—take it step by step without rushing. Safety comes first in driving, and only then can you pass the test smoothly.'
