Does Fully Depressing the Clutch in Subject 2 Count as Stopping?
2 Answers
Fully depressing the clutch while the car is still moving is due to inertia and does not count as stopping. Tips for Controlling the Clutch in Subject 2: Learn to depress the clutch correctly. While driving, it's best for learners to use their left foot as a support point, placing the ball of the foot on the clutch pedal and then using the ankle and knee to press down or lift. This method helps beginners experience the semi-engaged state, which is beneficial for the test. When lifting the clutch, the heel can shift slightly backward to avoid stalling. Familiarize yourself with clutch control through reverse parking. Always depress the clutch slowly—lifting too quickly won't help. Remember the principle of "slow lift, gentle press," which is crucial for mastering the clutch. Learn to coordinate the clutch perfectly with slopes. For hill starts, there's no need to press the accelerator; just remember to lift the clutch slowly and feel the car's vibration. When noticeable shaking occurs, release the foot brake and keep the clutch steady. Before starting, adjust the seat and mirrors, and fasten the seatbelt. Always fully depress the clutch when shifting gears. Stay calm and coordinate your hands and feet smoothly. Subject 2 Precautions: The correct clutch-depressing posture involves placing the ball of the foot on the pedal with the heel touching the ground. When the clutch is fully depressed, the knee should remain slightly bent. Avoid using the toes or lifting the heel, as this can lead to insufficient force or slipping. Depress the clutch all the way to the floor to ensure complete disengagement and prevent wear. Avoid releasing the clutch too quickly or revving the engine excessively while driving, as this accelerates clutch wear. Always fully depress the clutch before shifting gears.
I also struggled with this issue when learning to drive at the driving school. The instructor told me that fully depressing the clutch doesn't count as stopping the car, because the clutch only disengages the engine power. If the car is still on a slope or coasting due to inertia, it's actually still moving. You need to press the brake to bring the car to a complete standstill for it to be considered stopped. During the Category 2 test items like the slope parking, if you only depress the clutch without braking to a stop, the examiner will deduct points because the vehicle hasn't truly stopped. During regular practice, you should develop the habit of ensuring the handbrake is engaged before starting, and using both the clutch and brake together when slowing down.
