
If the handbrake is not fully released during the uphill start in Subject 2, 10 points will be deducted. Below are the specific details about Subject 2: 1. Subject 2 Examination Opportunities: Candidates are allowed one attempt for the Subject 2 examination. If they fail, they can retake it once, meaning there are a total of two opportunities. If they do not participate in the retake or fail the retake, the examination process ends, and the applicant must schedule a new examination after ten days. Within the validity period of the driving skill test permit, the number of Subject 2 examination appointments cannot exceed five. If the fifth examination appointment still results in failure, the passing scores of other subjects will be invalidated. 2. Subject 2 Examination Content: Reversing into a parking space (reverse parking), stopping and starting on a slope (uphill start), parallel parking, driving through curves, and turning at right angles (Note: Some regions include a sixth item—highway toll card collection).

Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized this detail—if the handbrake isn't fully released during hill starts, you'll lose 10 points immediately! This is no small matter. The entire test is only worth 100 points, and you need 80 to pass—10 points can be the death of you. In the hill-start procedure: pull the handbrake → press the accelerator → slowly release the clutch → the car's front lifts → release the handbrake—these four actions are closely linked. If the handbrake isn't fully released, the system detects abnormal braking and deducts points on the spot. Last time, our driving school's Old Zhang failed the test because of this—he had practiced well, but his hand trembled and didn't press it down completely. The dashboard brake light flashed, and the deduction alert sounded immediately. So remember: releasing the handbrake must be like slapping a playing card down—make sure it clicks all the way! Before the test, practice this transition at least three times on the driving school's slope.

Never take the handbrake lightly during the slope start in Driving Test Part 2. Last time I accompanied a candidate, I saw them lose points here—the handbrake wasn't fully released and still had slight braking force on the rear wheels. The moment they released the clutch, the car rolled back, and the sensor immediately deducted 10 points. The instructor always says: 'Pull the handbrake firmly, and when releasing it, press the button decisively all the way down until the lever fully retracts—only then is it considered correct.' Losing these 10 points feels especially unfair because all the steps were done right, only to fail at the final centimeter of force. My suggestion: during practice, keep a pack of tissues in the center console and press the handbrake release button with all your might until you hear the 'click' of metal engagement—that's when you know it's properly released. During the actual test, giving a bit of throttle with your right foot beforehand adds extra safety.

In the hill start project of Subject 2, failure to fully release the handbrake will directly result in a deduction of 10 points for improper operation. According to the driving test evaluation standards, the parking brake must be completely disengaged after coming to a full stop at the designated point. The specific operation is as follows: after pulling up the handbrake for 3 seconds, first gently lift the clutch to the semi-engaged state. When the front of the car noticeably rises, then press the handbrake button completely and fully release the brake lever. The evaluation system detects the brake signal through sensors, and as long as the sensors detect that the braking force has not returned to zero, it will trigger a point deduction. The constant illumination of the brake indicator light on the exam car's dashboard is the most obvious warning. This is a basic operational error, and practicing the sequence five times can help avoid it.

Failing to fully release the handbrake during hill starts is a common point deduction. I remember seeing a guy during my driving test who clearly went through the motion of releasing the handbrake, but the red "P" light on the dashboard was still on the moment his fingers left the lever. The examiner's screen immediately displayed "Parking brake not released" with a 10-point deduction. Later, the instructor revealed the three deadly pitfalls of this test item: besides crossing the boundary line (100-point deduction) and stalling (10-point deduction), the most frustrating is the 10-point deduction for incomplete handbrake release. The correct operation requires hearing a crisp "click" sound and ensuring the lever fully retracts flush against its base. Before the test, practice with a water bottle substituting the handbrake lever until you can operate it precisely with eyes closed. If still unsure, apply slightly more throttle, but remember not to exceed the 30-second time limit.

The most common stumbling block for our batch of trainees at the training ground is the handbrake operation on hill starts. The instructor emphasized that while losing 10 points for improper mechanical operation during the test is minor, the real concern is that failing to fully release the handbrake in actual driving can cause rear wheel overheating or even brake pad damage. The standard hill start handbrake release should be decisive: keep your left thumb pressed on the button without releasing, palm facing down as you push all the way down until you feel two distinct "clicks" indicating successful disengagement. After losing points during the mock test when the electronic display showed "Parking brake not fully released," I specifically practiced for two days with the engine off: moving the seat all the way back, leaning my body 45 degrees to the left, and visually confirming complete contact by watching the gap between the handbrake lever and its base. This technique proved extremely effective—I passed the official test on my first attempt.


