How many points are deducted for not pulling the handbrake tightly during hill start?
4 Answers
New penalty item for hill start and stop: 10 points will be deducted if the handbrake is not pulled after stopping. Introduction to hill start: Hill start and stop is an assessment point in Subject 2 of the driver's license test. Test requirements for hill start: The test requires stopping at a fixed position on a slope with a gradient greater than or equal to 10% and a length greater than or equal to 30 meters. It assesses the coordination of steering, braking, and clutch operation. The purpose is to train drivers to accurately judge the vehicle's position and correctly use the brake, gear, and clutch to meet the needs of stopping and starting on uphill sections.
When I took my driving test, I experienced the hill-start exercise, where the instructor emphasized that the handbrake must be firmly engaged to prevent the car from rolling back. If the car rolls slightly (e.g., within 30 cm) after stopping, you typically lose 10 points in the test. However, if it rolls more than 30 cm, it’s an instant 100-point deduction and a fail. This is actually a safety issue—I always pull the handbrake a couple of extra times to ensure it’s securely locked. Developing this habit allows me to start confidently on slopes and avoid failing the test. Additionally, it’s important to check if the handbrake lever rebounds properly and to maintain it regularly to prevent wear, reducing unexpected issues. The test simulates real-road scenarios, and mastering these skills is crucial for everyday driving—safety always comes first.
I learned a hard lesson during the uphill parking test. That time, the handbrake wasn't tightened enough and the car rolled back slightly, so the examiner stopped me and deducted 10 points. Since then, I've been extra careful during practice - immediately after stopping, I pull the handbrake tight and double-check if the car is stable. Generally, the test rules deduct points based on rolling distance: minor movement (10-30cm) might cost 10 points, while serious cases result in 100-point deduction and failure. But it's not just about losing points - if this happens on real roads when parking on slopes, insufficient handbrake could cause rear-end collisions. So I always remind myself to practice handbrake operations more, never being careless during tests. My advice for beginners: find open spaces to practice slope parking until it becomes muscle memory - it'll make things much smoother.
Failure to firmly engage the handbrake during hill start may cause vehicle rollback. During the test, deductions are based on rollback distance: minor rollback (within 30cm) deducts 10 points, while severe cases result in immediate failure (100-point deduction). I've always understood the importance of safety during practice, so I recommend pulling the handbrake multiple times to ensure it's securely engaged. Also pay attention to vehicle maintenance – aging handbrake cables can reduce tension, but regular inspections can prevent such issues. The test aims to cultivate good habits; in real-world driving, hill parking requires even more stable operations. Never overlook this small but crucial detail.
