Has the Hill Start Been Cancelled?
3 Answers
Hill start has been cancelled. Starting from June 1st this year, the "Hill Start and Stop" item has been removed from the Category 2 test for small automatic transmission vehicles, reducing the test items from 5 to 4. Relevant information about the driver's license test is as follows: Introduction: The driver's test is a qualification examination organized by the Vehicle Management Office of the Public Security Bureau. Only by passing the driver's test can one obtain a driver's license and legally operate motor vehicles. Content: The motor vehicle driver's test is divided into the following sections: the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge test (also known as the "theoretical test", referred to as "Category 1"), the field driving skills test (commonly known as the "stake test", referred to as "Category 2"), and the road driving skills and safe civilized driving common sense test (commonly known as the "road test", referred to as "Category 3"). The test content and passing standards are uniformly set nationwide, with corresponding test items specified according to different types of vehicles eligible for driving.
I just passed my driving test recently, and the hill start was definitely not removed from Subject 2! The instructor emphasized that it's a mandatory test item—you have to stop steadily on the slope and then start again. However, my friend drives an automatic car and mentioned that many vehicles now come with hill-start assist, which holds the car for 2–3 seconds after releasing the brake, making it much easier. During the test, you still have to strictly follow the standard procedure: pull the handbrake, lift the clutch, and press the accelerator, or the examiner will deduct points. In daily driving, electronic handbrakes in automatics are the most convenient for steep slopes, while manuals rely on skill. I really miss those days of stalling and getting yelled at by the instructor—this technique is crucial to avoid rolling back and hitting the car behind.
Last week, I accompanied my cousin to practice driving, and the instructor was still teaching hill starts. Manual transmission cars require particularly smooth coordination between the clutch and throttle: slowly lift the clutch with your left foot until the car hood slightly trembles, then release the handbrake with your right hand while gently tapping the throttle with your right foot. A seasoned driver shared a little trick with me—when the tachometer needle suddenly drops, it means the clutch is in the right position. Nowadays, some new cars do come with auto-hold functions, allowing automatic parking on slopes and at red lights. However, the exam rules mandate traditional operations, and those old Santanas in the training ground without any assistive features won’t help you. In case you encounter an icy slope during heavy rain, these fundamental skills could be lifesaving.
