Has the Hill Start Test Been Removed for Automatic Transmission Vehicles?
2 Answers
It has been removed. Starting from June 1, 2021, the "Hill Start" test item has been eliminated from the Category 2 driving test for small automatic transmission vehicles, reducing the test items from five to four. This adjustment better aligns with actual driving operation requirements and reduces the examination burden on candidates. The scoring criteria for the Hill Start test are as follows: 1. Front bumper not aligned with the pole line: If the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line after the vehicle stops, and the deviation exceeds 50 cm, it results in failure. If the deviation does not exceed 50 cm, 10 points are deducted. 2. Exceeding 30 seconds for starting: If the vehicle fails to start within 30 seconds, it results in failure. 3. Wheels crossing the road edge line: If the wheels cross the road edge line during the test, it results in failure. 4. Vehicle rolling backward: If the vehicle rolls backward more than 30 cm during starting, it results in failure. If the backward roll is more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm, 5 points are deducted per occurrence. 5. Vehicle body distance from the road edge line: If the distance between the vehicle body and the road edge line exceeds 50 cm after stopping, it results in failure. If the distance is more than 30 cm but not exceeding 50 cm, 10 points are deducted per occurrence. 6. Parking brake not fully engaged: If the parking brake is not fully engaged after stopping, 10 points are deducted per occurrence.
As an ordinary driver of an automatic transmission car, I can say that hill starts basically don't require manual operation anymore. The vehicle has a hill start assist function—after stopping, just slightly release the brake or tap the accelerator, and the system automatically holds the car for a second or two to prevent rolling back, completely eliminating the hassle of precise stopping. This skill might still be tested during driver's license exams, but that's more of a formality; in actual driving, technology simplifies everything, allowing you to focus on road conditions. I feel automatics truly relieve the burden of driving, especially when navigating uphill in congested urban areas. As for whether to abolish this skill, it's already functionally obsolete unless you're driving an older model without assist systems. For safety, regular brake system checks are what really matter.
