
Methods to control the clutch in Subject 2 practice are: 1. There are three pedals in a car, the leftmost one is the clutch controller, the middle one is the brake, and the rightmost one is the accelerator; 2. The left foot controls the clutch pedal, while the right foot controls the accelerator and brake pedals; 3. When shifting gears, the left foot must press the clutch; 4. When the left foot is not in use, it should rest on the car's chassis and not on the pedals. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination and refers to the field driving skills test. The test items for small cars (C1/C2) include reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving.

Controlling the clutch is really important when learning to drive. I remember when I first started practicing for Subject 2, the instructor emphasized slowly releasing the clutch to find the engagement point—when you feel a slight vibration in the pedal or the engine RPM drops, gently releasing the clutch a bit will make the car start moving. Never release it too quickly, or the engine might stall, especially during hill starts—if you release the clutch too fast, the car might roll backward, which is terrifying. Practice the half-clutch state more on flat ground, and don’t tense up your left foot—stay relaxed and slowly test the engagement point. Poor clutch control on the test field can also affect reverse parking and parallel parking, so practicing more to master the rhythm is key. The clutch and throttle need to work together—give a little gas to stabilize the RPM and avoid sudden fluctuations. Drive every day to get a feel for the car’s behavior—practice makes perfect!

As an experienced driver looking back on clutch control, the key lies in steadiness and patience. When depressing the clutch, completely disengage the power; when releasing it, do so slowly and smoothly without abrupt movements. Finding the engagement point is most practical: gradually lift the clutch until the car slightly trembles, then apply a bit of throttle to move forward. During exams, when navigating curves or making sharp turns, don't fully release the clutch; maintain a semi-engaged state to keep the speed steady and avoid wheel hopping. Beginners often make the mistake of lifting the clutch too quickly and stalling or forgetting to coordinate with the throttle. Practice hill starts more to strengthen muscle memory, and after each driving session, reflect on the car's feedback. Gradually, you'll become proficient. Clutch control isn't just an exam skill but a fundamental of safe driving—it should be taken seriously and kept in mind.

When practicing clutch control in Subject 2, I felt it requires a bit of touch, similar to balancing on a bicycle. Lifting the clutch pedal too quickly can stall the engine, while doing it too slowly wastes time. The key is to find the semi-engagement point: a deep engine sound or a slight vibration of the car body serves as the signal—at this moment, stabilize the throttle to maintain a steady speed without panicking. Hill starts are a major challenge—pull the handbrake tight, then slowly release the clutch to the engagement point while simultaneously releasing the handbrake and pressing the throttle in one smooth motion. Repeatedly practicing reversing into the garage can also hone your clutch operation rhythm. Remember, if the vehicle responds sluggishly, check for clutch wear instead of forcing it. During the test, stay calm and maintain a relaxed mindset. Spending more time on the simulation field trying different speed controls will be effective.


