Does Stalling on a Slope Count as Failing the Test?
2 Answers
Stalling on the slope during Subject 2 (Parking and Slope Driving) does not result in an automatic failure, but improper subsequent operations will lead to immediate disqualification. Solution: If the car stalls during the slope start in Subject 2, do not panic. First, shift the car into neutral, then restart the engine. However, if you attempt to restart the engine while still in gear, the system will directly judge it as a failure. It is important to note that the slope start requires the engine to be started within 30 seconds, so the examinee's actions must be quick, precise, and steady. Generally, stalling during a slope start will deduct 20 points. Preventing Stalling: Before starting the car, ensure the handbrake is fully released to avoid resistance, which can cause stalling when accelerating, especially during slope starts. Additionally, do not lift the clutch too high. If the clutch is lifted too high and the foot brake is not released in time, the engine and wheel speeds will become inconsistent, also leading to stalling.
A few days ago, while training students, stalling during a hill start was all too common. The driving test rules clearly state that stalling once during a hill start deducts 10 points, which by itself doesn’t mean an automatic fail. For example, if you didn’t lose points in other sections, scoring 90 out of 100 would still be a pass. However, the key lies in the follow-up actions: if you remain stationary for more than 30 seconds after stalling, it’s an immediate fail; if you panic and attempt to start the engine while still in gear, the examiner will fail you outright. I often remind students to focus on finding the clutch’s biting point during practice—keep the right foot steady on the brake, slowly lift the left foot off the clutch until the car vibrates, then release the brake. If you stall during the test, calmly shift to neutral, restart the engine, and begin again—there’s usually enough time. Practicing the coordination between the accelerator and clutch more often and developing the habit of using the handbrake on slopes can significantly reduce mistakes.
