
On the basis of semi-engagement, release the clutch a bit more to make the vehicle shake more violently, then slowly release the brake to avoid stalling during start. Alternatively, on the basis of semi-engagement, add a little throttle. Usually, the starting speed is around 900 rpm, close to idle speed. You can increase the throttle to raise the speed to 1000 rpm, let the car move, and then release the clutch, which can also prevent stalling. The reasons for stalling when starting on a slope are as follows: 1. The clutch contact point is not lifted enough (the clutch is lifted too low). 2. The handbrake is released without giving throttle (the car's idle speed is too low to start the vehicle), causing the car to roll back. 3. After rolling back, hastily braking or lifting the clutch causes stalling. 4. When starting, the clutch is lifted past the contact point and the handbrake is released too late, causing stalling.

I just passed my driving test not long ago. For hill starts, you need to release the clutch until the car starts vibrating slightly—that's the point when the engine sound becomes deep and the front of the car lifts slightly. When I was learning, I was always nervous and released the clutch too quickly, causing the car to roll back or stall, and I got scolded by the instructor several times. Later, I practiced for two hours every day and found my own rhythm: press the clutch with your left foot, slowly lift it until you feel the steering wheel shake, then gently press the accelerator with your right foot while releasing the handbrake, and the car will climb the slope steadily. Don’t try to get it right all at once—beginners tend to rush. Releasing the clutch too much will stall the car, and not releasing enough will cause it to roll back. Before the test, practice more simulations, find slopes to repeat the drill, and memorize that vibrating feeling—it tells you the engine and wheels are connected. Safety is a big deal. Once you’ve practiced enough, passing in one go is normal. Now I can handle manual transmissions with ease. Clutch operation relies on feel—don’t memorize fixed positions. Different cars feel different, so just keep trying and you’ll get used to it.

I remember when I first started learning to drive, controlling the clutch on hill starts was the most challenging part. The instructor said to release it to the engagement point, meaning slowly lifting the clutch until the car slightly vibrates. At first, I couldn't find the right spot—too much release and the car would jerk forward, too little and it would roll back. After a few failed attempts, I figured it out. Here's the specific procedure: stop on the slope, pull the handbrake tight, gently lift the clutch with your left foot, and when you notice the engine sound becoming deeper or the RPM slightly fluctuating, hold your left foot steady. Then, release the handbrake with your right hand and gently press the accelerator with your right foot to start moving. The key is finding that critical vibration point—stay calm, as a steady mindset leads to steady operation. During practice, I started with small slopes in my home garage, repeatedly working on clutch sensitivity. Now, driving to and from work, I'm not afraid of steep slopes anymore. Everyone's feel is different, so I recommend practicing on gentle slopes first to understand your own sensation.

After driving a manual transmission for over a decade, I've learned that for hill starts, you need to release the clutch to the point where you feel slight vibrations or hear a humming sound. Don't overcomplicate it—just slowly lift your left foot off the clutch until the car shows signs of wanting to move, then hold it there while releasing the handbrake. During the test, the examiner just wants to see a smooth start without rolling back. Practice makes perfect. Don't worry about stalling or rolling back; that slight vibration is your cue, and listening to the engine sound changes can help you judge. This technique is very practical for everyday driving.


