Does stalling during hill start result in point deduction or immediate failure?
2 Answers
Stalling during hill start results in a 20-point deduction. Below is relevant information about hill starts: Concept: The hill start is part of the field test for the second subject of the driver's license examination, which involves starting a vehicle parked on a steep slope moving upwards. After positioning the vehicle correctly, firmly pull up the handbrake, then pull it two more times to ensure it is tightly secured. Technique: Shift to first gear, release the handbrake, gently release the clutch, and once the vehicle is stable, proceed up the slope, staying as close as possible within 30 centimeters of the side line. Try to control the clutch to keep the vehicle speed as slow as possible. For the stopping point, use a reference object aligned with the marker pole to ensure the front of the car is aligned with the pole, thus achieving correct positioning.
As a seasoned driving instructor with years of experience, stalling during a hill start in the driving test usually doesn't result in an immediate fail—it typically deducts 10 to 15 points, depending on the circumstances. I've taught countless students, and if you can quickly stabilize the car after stalling—without rolling back or disrupting traffic—the examiner will likely just deduct points without affecting the overall result. However, if stalling leads to loss of vehicle control or excessive rollback, especially with repeated mistakes, it may result in an immediate fail, as this indicates high operational risk. During practice, I advise students to simulate hill scenarios frequently, focusing on clutch-throttle coordination—like slowly releasing the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator—and maintaining a calm mindset. If you stall, don’t panic: immediately brake, engage the handbrake, and restart the engine without delay. Remember, the test evaluates safe operation awareness. With enough practice, you can avoid these issues—the key is learning from mistakes.
