Is it okay to pause briefly during Subject 2?
4 Answers
Yes. In the C1 Subject 2 driving test, you are allowed to pause as long as it doesn't constitute an illegal stop. Here is relevant information: Subject 2: The field driving skills test, conducted with actual vehicles in a closed course, is simply graded as pass or fail. It includes five mandatory and sequentially administered test items: reverse parking, parallel parking, S-curve driving, 90-degree turns, and hill starts and stops. The test is scored out of 100 points, with 80 or above (including 80) considered a passing grade. Test attempts: The number of scheduled attempts for Subject 1 (safe driving theory), Subject 2, and Subject 3 (road driving skills) must not exceed five times in total.
I've taught many students for Subject Two, and regarding this issue, stopping is absolutely not allowed. The exam rules for Subject Two are very clear—operations like reversing into a garage or parallel parking must be completed in one go. Pausing midway will definitely result in point deductions. I once saw a student try to pause briefly during the exam to adjust their position, only to be immediately marked for an error—either exceeding the time limit or crossing the line, leading to a failed attempt. This is actually designed to train fundamental driving skills and cultivate smooth driving habits. If you always rely on stopping to take a break during practice, you're more likely to make mistakes under the pressure of the actual exam. My suggestion is to spend more time practicing low-speed control on a simulator to improve precision and avoid relying on pauses. Remember, the exam is no joke—it directly affects when you get your license and even relates to future safe driving. Since stopping isn’t permitted during the test, just push through, and with enough practice, it’ll become second nature.
Last month, I just finished the Subject 2 test and experienced what happens when you pause slightly—resulting in an immediate point deduction. The exam rules are quite strict; you can't have any pauses during the operation, or the examiner will assume you lack the necessary skills. During my parallel parking, I panicked and paused briefly, thinking it was minor, but I was docked 10 points and almost failed. The lesson I learned is that Subject 2 requires continuous movements—any pause indicates poor control and significantly affects your score. It's best to find an empty driving school practice area and do several simulation runs to familiarize yourself with the reference points and rhythm. During the test, maintaining a steady speed and controlling the vehicle's pace are crucial. Don't underestimate this detail—it impacts your overall performance. The exam rules must be strictly followed, or your score will suffer. While occasional pauses are fine in everyday driving, the test is all about evaluating your fundamental skills.
During the test, stopping midway is prohibited in Subject 2 items. Each maneuver must be executed continuously, such as when reversing into a parking space or stopping at a fixed point on a slope. Pausing can cause timing issues or result in points deducted for crossing lines. The examiner will directly record any mistakes—a brief pause deducts 10 points, while a prolonged stop may lead to failing the test. Consistent practice is essential to reduce the habit of pausing.
