How to Step on the Clutch in Subject 2?
3 Answers
The method for stepping on the clutch in Subject 2 is as follows: Release the clutch slowly until the engine hood shakes violently, then release the brake slightly. Next, release the clutch a bit more, followed by the brake again, and then the clutch once more. Repeat this process until the brake is completely released, and finally, slowly release the clutch. The working principle of the clutch is as follows: 1. By pressing or releasing the clutch pedal, the engine is temporarily separated from or gradually connected to the gearbox, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power input from the engine to the transmission. 2. The clutch has three working states: disengaged when the clutch is pressed down, fully engaged when the clutch is not pressed, and semi-engaged when the clutch is partially pressed. The semi-engaged state is the decisive factor in whether the engine's kinetic energy can be transmitted to the wheels. Many people experience unstable speeds or even stalling because they fail to accurately master the semi-engaged state, either pressing or releasing the clutch too much.
After teaching driving for so many years, clutch control remains the biggest challenge in Subject 2. Beginners often stall the engine—the key lies in mastering the semi-engaged point. Place your left foot flat, press the clutch with the ball of your foot, and lift slowly until the engine sound softens and the car slightly vibrates—that's the sweet spot. Avoid releasing too fast or depressing too deep. In reverse parking, speed control relies entirely on this technique. For precise parking, semi-engaged clutch allows gradual movement while steering. Practice lifting on flat ground to build muscle memory—keep your heel grounded and avoid dangling feet to prevent shaking. Wear thin-soled shoes for better feedback. During tests, stay calm with deep breaths; if stalled, restart promptly without panic.
Thinking back to when I was practicing for the driving test (Subject 2), operating the clutch was quite a rollercoaster. At first, the engine kept stalling. The instructor said my foot needed to be steady, with the heel grounded and not sliding. The proper technique is to press the clutch all the way down to shift gears, then gently lift it until the car starts moving and hold it steady. For hill starts, coordinate with the brake—lift the clutch until the car vibrates before releasing the handbrake. The key to reversing slowly is to control speed with the clutch, not the accelerator. My personal tip: get more hands-on practice to build muscle memory. Find an open space to repeatedly practice starting and stopping, and you'll get the hang of it within two hours. During the test, don’t be careless—if the speed is too fast, lightly press the brake.
