How to tell if the car is started during Subject 2 driving test?

[JocelynMarie]

Mainly check the engine tachometer - if it's not at zero, it means the engine is running. You can also listen for the sound and feel for vibrations to determine if the car is started. The sound of ignition is audible, and the instructor should teach you about this aspect.

[Sauron]

When taking the Subject 2 driving test to determine if the car is started, I clearly remember my experience as a beginner. After getting in the car, first adjust the seat and fasten the seatbelt, press the clutch and brake (for manual transmission), then turn the key to the start position. If successfully started, the engine immediately emits a low, continuous humming sound, quite loud; meanwhile, the tachometer needle on the dashboard jumps to around 1,000 RPM to show the engine speed; the car body also vibrates slightly, and I can feel the seat gently trembling. If the car isn't started, the engine remains quiet, the tachometer doesn't move, or a warning light may come on. During the test, I made a mistake once because I was too hasty—I shifted gears without clearly hearing the engine sound, resulting in the car not moving and losing points. The lesson is to wait a second or two after each start to confirm: listen for the sound, check the dashboard, and feel the vibration. Common reasons for failure to start include the key not being turned far enough; simply turning the key off and trying again usually solves it. During Subject 2 practice, practice sensing the start more to develop instinctive habits, with safety first.

[OColeman]

When training my students for Subject 2, ignition judgment is a fundamental skill. Sit properly in the driver's seat, step on the corresponding pedal, and turn the key to start. After successful ignition, the engine will roar into operation, the dashboard tachometer will display values, and warning lights will turn off; noticeable slight vibrations can be felt from the car body. During the test, ignition must be confirmed before proceeding with subsequent operations, otherwise it's easy to stall or perform invalid actions. A common mistake is that beginners, due to nervousness, ignore the sound and operate before ignition is complete, leading to point deductions. I teach them to verify with multiple senses: ears listen for stable and continuous engine sounds; eyes scan the tachometer and dashboard lights; body perceives the vibration sensation. Develop the habit of pausing for a second to check after ignition during regular practice. Ignition failure might be due to battery issues, but since test vehicles are well-maintained, the key is to calmly retry without panicking.

[Louis]

Determining if the car has started is straightforward: after starting the engine, listen for the humming sound of operation; observe the tachometer needle on the dashboard rise; feel the slight vibration of the car body. During the driving test (Subject 2), once you sit in the driver's seat and turn the key to successfully start the car, these signs will appear. Signs of a failed start include silence and abnormal dashboard readings. During the test, develop the habit of waiting a moment after starting to confirm before proceeding. Starting failures are often due to the key not being turned far enough and can be retried. From a safety perspective, ensure the car is properly started before operating to avoid danger. Practicing with multiple senses makes it easier to master.