How to Perform a Hill Start?
2 Answers
How to perform a hill start: 1. Put the gear lever in neutral and pull the handbrake tight; 2. Press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, shift into first gear, hold the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock position with your left hand, and grip the handbrake with your right hand; 3. Slowly release the clutch pedal with your left foot to the semi-engaged position, and when the vehicle starts to vibrate and shows a tendency to move forward, begin pressing the accelerator pedal with your right foot while pressing the handbrake release button with your right hand; 4. As the vehicle moves forward, lower the handbrake with your right hand; 5. Continue releasing the clutch pedal with your left foot until it is fully released, and press the accelerator pedal with your right foot to accelerate and climb the slope. Hill start is part of the field test in the second subject of the driver's license examination, which involves driving a vehicle parked on a steep slope upward. Other test items in the second subject include: parallel parking, curve driving, right-angle turning, and reverse parking into a garage.
The most challenging part of hill starts for me is beginning to move on the slope without letting the car roll backward. I remember when I first learned to drive, my instructor taught me to first press the clutch and brake, then firmly pull the handbrake to stop the car. After that, shift into first gear and slowly release the clutch until the car starts to vibrate slightly—that's when the power point is reached. Then, gently press the accelerator, listen for the engine sound to grow louder, and release the handbrake and brake, allowing the car to climb smoothly. If the accelerator is pressed too lightly or the handbrake is released too quickly, the car will roll back, especially on steep slopes, which could lead to hitting something behind—super dangerous. It took me over a dozen tries to get used to the motion and keep it smooth and steady. For safety, I recommend practicing on a gentle slope in an empty area, ensuring no cars are around before attempting. Beginners shouldn’t rush; take it slow, and once the movements are steady, it’ll be fine.
