Is it allowed to shift gears twice in the Subject 2 driving test?

[DiHolden]

Shifting gears twice is not allowed in the Subject 2 driving test, and doing so will result in a direct deduction of 100 points. Here is a detailed introduction to Subject 2: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skills test. For C1 and C2 licenses, the test includes five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves. Other common point deductions in Subject 2 include: 1. Not wearing a seatbelt: 100-point deduction. 2. Not closing the car door properly: 100-point deduction. 3. Not using turn signals: Failing to use turn signals when starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or stopping, or using them for less than 3 seconds, results in a 10-point deduction. 4. Stalling the engine once: 10-point deduction.

[LeKingston]

I've been a driving instructor for over a decade, and this is one of the most frequently asked questions by students. In the slope starting exercise of Subject 2, if the vehicle stalls during the first gear shift, you are allowed to re-engage the gear. According to regulations, after the vehicle stalls, you must immediately shift to neutral, start the engine, and then shift back to first gear to start again. The entire process must be completed within 30 seconds. However, be careful not to make basic mistakes—if the vehicle stalls again after re-engaging the gear or rolls back more than 30 centimeters, you will fail immediately. During practice, I always emphasize that clutch control should be as gentle as handling an egg, especially in finding the semi-engaged position. Although a second gear shift is allowed, the pressure of the test can easily lead to panic, so it's best to succeed on the first attempt.

[LeMariana]

Just passed the subject two test, let me share my real experience. On the exam day, I encountered a stall during the hill start, but quickly re-engaged the gear and passed with a close call. When re-engaging gears, remember three key points: shift to neutral, pull the handbrake tight and ignite, slowly release the clutch to find the semi-engagement point after re-engaging the gear, and finally gently press the accelerator while releasing the handbrake. The whole process is timed by the examiner with a stopwatch and must be completed within 30 seconds. However, it's important to note that re-engaging gears doesn't mean you can make mistakes freely. If the vehicle rolls back too much or the engine stalls twice in a row, you'll be directly judged as unqualified. Developing stable operation habits during daily practice is the key.

[BeckettDella]

The exam rules explicitly permit a second gear-shifting operation but limit it to specific circumstances. In the hill start segment of Subject 2 (slope fixed-point parking and starting), if the engine stalls during the first gear shift, the examinee may return to neutral, restart the engine, and re-attempt gear engagement. The key constraint is the 30-second time limit for starting; exceeding this will result in failure. Note that during the second attempt, if the vehicle rolls back more than 30 centimeters or stalls again, 100 points will be deducted. Recommended procedure: Stall→Shift to neutral→Ignition→Engage first gear→Release clutch to semi-engagement→Lightly apply throttle while releasing handbrake. Other test items like reverse parking do not require multiple gear shifts.

[NoahLynn]

The biggest fear when taking the driving test is nervousness and shaky hands. If the car stalls on a slope, don't panic. Take a deep breath and follow the steps systematically. When shifting gears again, first press the brake firmly with your right foot to prevent rolling back, quickly shift to neutral with your left hand and start the engine, then shift back to first gear. Next, slowly release the clutch with your left foot until you feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel, which indicates the half-clutch position. At this point, release the handbrake and gently press the accelerator. Thirty seconds may sound short, but it's actually more than enough—the key is to stay calm. During practice, it's recommended to turn off the air conditioning to simulate the test's difficulty. Once muscle memory is formed, your body will react automatically in unexpected situations.