Has the Hill Start Been Cancelled?
2 Answers
The "Hill Start and Stop" test item has been removed from the Category 2 driving test for small automatic transmission vehicles. After entering the vehicle, candidates should first adjust the seat, rearview mirrors, and fasten the seatbelt. Maintain a comfortable and fixed sitting posture, leaning back against the seat with hands naturally placed on the steering wheel, ensuring the distance is neither too far nor too close. Time limit for hill start: Must not exceed 30 seconds. Hill stop: Upon hearing the "hill stop" instruction (approximately 20 meters from the pole), turn on the right turn signal, steer appropriately to the right to align the vehicle slowly along the right side of the road, and pay attention to the distance between the vehicle body and the right sideline. Hill start scoring criteria: 100 points deducted if the vehicle bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm forward or backward; 100 points deducted if the vehicle rolls back more than 30 cm during start; 20 points deducted if the vehicle bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm forward or backward.
I've been driving for decades, and hill start assist was never canceled—it's a great helper. Back when this feature wasn't available, manual transmission drivers always worried about rolling backward during uphill starts, having to pull the handbrake and stomp on the gas. Nowadays, most automatic cars come with electronic hill start assist. It automatically brakes for a second or two, making it convenient and safe. Maybe the new model you tried wasn't equipped with it, or your older car isn't compatible, but mainstream brands like Toyota and Honda still retain this feature. Remember to check your car manual or have the dealership adjust it—don’t mistake it for a malfunction. Also, the auto-hold function has a similar effect; just select the right gear for smooth driving.
