Has the Manual Transmission Hill Start and Stop Been Canceled?

[LeRosalie]

Hill start cancellation only applies to automatic transmission driving tests, while manual transmission still requires normal testing. The manual transmission driver's license test still includes the hill start assessment, as it inherently evaluates the coordination and usage of the clutch. From a safe driving perspective, even though automatic transmissions no longer require hill starts, mastering this skill is still essential for smoother driving when encountering traffic jams on uphill roads. Hill Start: Hill start is a common test in the second subject of the driver's license exam, which involves starting a vehicle parked on a steep slope. When learning the hill start technique for manual transmission vehicles, students should first pull the handbrake, press the accelerator to at least 2000 RPM, then release the clutch until around 1000 RPM, release the handbrake, slightly release the clutch while adding a bit more gas, and the car will naturally move uphill. Hill Start Technique: After the test begins, shift to first gear, release the handbrake, gently release the clutch, and once the vehicle is stable, proceed uphill, staying as close as possible to the side line within 30 centimeters. Try to control the clutch to keep the vehicle speed as slow as possible. For the stop point, use a reference object aligned with the marker to ensure the front of the car aligns with the marker, thus achieving the correct stop position.

[LeAlejandro]

This really depends on the region. Back in my hometown last year, the hill start was still part of the driving test, but my neighbor's kid took the test in the provincial capital this year and said it's been removed. My driving instructor mentioned that many big cities have indeed simplified the Category 2 test, with some places using simulators instead of actual hill start tests. But honestly, as someone who's driven manual transmission for 15 years, I'd advise beginners to master this skill regardless of whether it's tested or not. Getting that precise clutch control on hill starts requires muscle memory - if you ever get stuck on a slope in traffic, rolling back and hitting the car behind is way worse than failing a test. Find a gentle slope to practice coordinating your left foot on the clutch and right hand on the handbrake when you have time; it could really prevent accidents in critical situations.

[MacClayton]

When I accompanied my cousin to the driving school to sign up recently, I specifically inquired about it. They have indeed canceled the traditional hill start in Subject 2 here. The instructor said they now test practical items like narrow road U-turns and reverse parking. But if you ask me whether you should practice hill starts? Absolutely! Last week, I drove an old manual car up the mountain for fun, and the scenic spot's parking lot had a steep 30-degree slope. When the car in front suddenly stopped, if I didn't know how to do a half-clutch start, I would definitely have rolled back and hit the guardrail. The technique is crucial: pull the handbrake tight, slowly release the clutch, and when the car body starts to shake, stabilize your left foot. Immediately release the handbrake with your right hand and press the accelerator—the whole process should be done in three seconds. Once you're skilled, you won't even need the handbrake; you can manage it just by switching the foot brake.

[OManuel]

It depends on where you take the test. In the coastal city where I got my driver's license, this item was canceled last year, and it's more common in areas that use automatic transmission test vehicles. But my driving instructor privately told me that canceling the test doesn't mean not teaching the skill. They now incorporate hill starts into daily training, as it's a core skill for manual transmission. The key is to master the clutch engagement point: when you lift the clutch until the engine sound becomes muffled and the tachometer slightly drops, that's the optimal moment to apply power. It's recommended that beginners practice this hundreds of times on flat roads to develop an instinctive reaction, so that when encountering a steep slope or an underground parking toll booth someday, they won't rev the engine deafeningly and still roll back half a meter.

[JasonLynn]

I just got a new manual transmission car last month and specifically researched the latest driving test regulations across different regions. Places like Beijing and Shanghai have mostly phased out the traditional hill start test, but it might still be retained in smaller cities. Personally, I believe this skill is essential whether it's tested or not. Once, while queuing in a parking garage with a friend's car, the vehicle in front suddenly braked hard. Instinctively, I performed a heel-and-toe maneuver—left foot on the clutch at half-engagement, right foot swiftly switching from brake to throttle, revving the engine to 2500 RPM to stabilize the car. Seeing the car behind almost rear-end me in the rearview mirror gave me a cold sweat. Now, when teaching my wife to drive, the first lesson is having her repeatedly practice this life-saving technique on the slopes in our neighborhood.