How Many Points Are Deducted for Starting the Engine in Gear?

[LucilleRose]

Whether it's in Subject 2 or Subject 3, starting the engine in gear results in an immediate deduction of 100 points, leading to a failing grade. This includes both starting the engine in gear with the clutch depressed and without depressing the clutch. Although starting the engine in gear with the clutch depressed won't stall the car, it is not allowed during the driving test. Even though pressing the clutch all the way down is similar to being in neutral, the evaluation criterion for starting the engine in gear is based on the gear position, not whether the car stalls after starting. Below are some related tips: Precautions for hill starts: Proper use of the handbrake; when pulling the handbrake, it must be pulled all the way up, and when releasing it, it must be released completely. Finding the right moment for the semi-clutch state; when you feel the car shaking significantly, release the brake to start. Hill starts: Hill starts are considered one of the most challenging tasks in Subject 2, and many students lose points because of this. Mastering the semi-clutch operation is crucial for hill starts, and maintaining proper alignment and distance is also very important.

[DiAshley]

Having driven for over a decade, I've seen many beginners make mistakes during tests, and starting the engine in gear is a major issue. When you attempt to start the car while it's still in gear, it can cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward or backward, which is extremely dangerous and may lead to collisions with pedestrians or obstacles. During driving tests, examiners typically consider this a serious violation, deducting 10 points or more; sometimes it can cost you all 100 points at once, resulting in an immediate fail. This isn't an overreaction – imagine in daily driving if your car unexpectedly jerks forward during startup. At best, it could damage vehicle components; at worst, it could cause a serious accident. Develop the good habit of pressing the clutch and checking the neutral indicator light before every ignition. Safety first.

[VonEmiliano]

After years of coaching students for driver's license tests, I've found that starting the engine in gear is a frequent mistake in scoring. According to standard regulations, during the Category 3 test, igniting the engine while the vehicle is in gear instead of neutral is considered a minor error, resulting in at least a 10-point deduction; if the examiner perceives high risk, it may lead to immediate failure. The key is to develop muscle memory: first engage the handbrake, depress the clutch fully, and check the gear position. This not only avoids point deductions but also protects the vehicle—gear impacts can shorten its lifespan. I always remind students to simulate test scenarios during practice, pausing for two seconds before starting to confirm everything, as developing good habits means winning from the very beginning.

[VonBentley]

When I first got my driver's license, I was always nervous. Once at the training ground, I started the car while it was in gear, causing it to jerk violently and almost hit the wall. The instructor immediately said I might lose 10 points in the exam, which would have been a big problem if it had been the real test. This habit is very dangerous as starting the car in gear puts excessive stress on the engine and transmission, potentially damaging parts. I corrected this later by always double-checking the gear position before ignition, which helped me pass the exam smoothly. Developing good habits can also save on repair costs and make life safer.