How to Perform Hill Start?

[LeMaria]

Before starting, ensure the clutch and brake are fully depressed. Gradually release the clutch until the vehicle body shakes violently, indicating the clutch has reached the semi-engaged state. Keep the clutch pedal steady with your left foot, and slowly release the brake with your right foot.

[BlakelyDella]

Back when I was learning to drive, the hill start was nerve-wracking. I remember the instructor teaching me to first slowly drive up the slope, align with reference points like poles or lines, then firmly press the brake to stop the car, followed by pulling the handbrake tight to prevent rolling back. Next, press the clutch, shift into first gear, lightly tap the accelerator to get the engine revs up. When you feel the car slightly shudder, that's the half-clutch state. Then gradually release the handbrake while coordinating the clutch and accelerator, and the car will start smoothly. Releasing the clutch too quickly will stall the engine, while doing it too slowly will cause the car to roll back—it takes a few practices to get the feel right. Now that I've been driving for a while, it feels simple, but beginners should find an empty slope to practice several times until they're comfortable before taking the test. Remember to stay calm, keep your eyes on the road ahead, and don't fixate on the dashboard. This technique is also handy for everyday driving on slopes—it's safe and hassle-free.

[Jace]

Hill start operations should be done step by step: First, stop the vehicle firmly and pull the handbrake tightly to prevent rolling back; then, press the clutch with your left foot and gently apply some throttle with your right foot to maintain engine speed; when you feel the front of the car slightly move, release the handbrake while slowly lifting the clutch to start smoothly. Remember not to rush or go too fast—the key is to coordinate the clutch and throttle like a dance. When teaching friends to drive, I always emphasize that this skill isn’t just for tests; it’s practical for daily driving on mountain roads or garage ramps. Practice more to build a solid foundation—start with an empty car before tackling real slopes. Safety comes first, so don’t rush. If the engine stalls, don’t panic—just restart and try again.

[MacDylan]

I can do the hill start with my eyes closed, having driven for over ten years, I'm used to it. Park on the slope, pull the handbrake, and firmly press the brake; then shift into gear, slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator; when the car slightly vibrates, release the brake and start moving—that's all it takes. The key is to find the half-clutch point and not release the clutch too early. With good coordination between the accelerator and clutch, rolling back or stalling is rare. I easily handle small slopes in daily driving—just treat it as a fun little challenge without stressing yourself.