Has the Automatic Transmission Ramp Fixed-Point Parking Been Cancelled?

[StCharles]

Starting from June 1, 2021, the "Ramp Fixed-Point Parking and Starting" item will be removed from the Subject 2 test for small automatic transmission vehicle driving licenses. Additional details are as follows: 1. Automatic Transmission Subject 2: The test items have been reduced from 5 to 4, including reversing into a garage, parallel parking, "S" curve driving, and right-angle turning, which are more aligned with actual driving requirements. 2. Other policies under the new regulations: The interval for scheduling the Subject 3 test has been adjusted from 30 days after passing Subject 1 to 20 days. For those applying for an additional license for large and medium-sized passenger and cargo vehicles, the interval for scheduling the Subject 3 test has been adjusted from 40 days to 30 days after passing Subject 1. For applicants taking different subjects of the test in different locations for small cars, the number of times to apply for changing the test location has been adjusted from once to no more than three times.

[LaEmmanuel]

Recently, I drove my friend's new automatic transmission car and did a lot of research, only to find that the hill start assist function hasn't been canceled at all. On the contrary, it has become a standard feature on most modern cars. It automatically holds the brakes for a few seconds after you release them on a slope, preventing the car from rolling backward. This feature is particularly useful, especially when starting on an uphill in the city, making the process safer and smoother. Different brands have different names for it—Toyota calls it Hill-start Assist Control, while Mercedes has its own version. It's basically standard on new cars, but older models or lower trim levels might not have it, so it depends on the specific model. I suggest you check your car's electronic manual or test drive it at a dealership to experience it firsthand, rather than giving up based on online rumors about its cancellation.

[DeGia]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and hill start assist has always been one of my favorite features. I still use it today and haven't heard about it being widely discontinued. Simply put, this feature automatically applies the brakes when starting on an incline to prevent rollback, giving even novice drivers confidence on hills. Having driven Honda and Volkswagen vehicles, I can confirm it's enabled by default and easy to operate: just firmly press the brake when stopped, and the system will maintain braking for a few seconds after releasing the pedal before starting. However, some older models or customized versions might not have it installed by default - check your dashboard for the indicator light. Remember that on extremely steep slopes where the assist might not engage, you may need manual intervention. Developing the habit of firmly pressing the brake before accelerating is always the safest approach.

[OAriana]

Hill Start Assist (HSA) is quite common in automatic transmission vehicles, and I believe it hasn't been discontinued. It relies on sensors to detect the slope and automatically holds the brakes to prevent the car from rolling backward when releasing the brake pedal. Most modern vehicles retain this feature, which activates when you release the brake and lasts for one or two seconds. To check if your car has it: look for any related indicator lights on the dashboard during startup, or test it by parking on a slope to see if the brakes hold. Without this feature, you'll need to rely on quick footwork, which can be challenging for beginners. It's advisable to upgrade your vehicle's system or install an aftermarket assist system to compensate.