Is stepping on the accelerator during hill start penalized?
4 Answers
You should not step on the accelerator, as in many test centers, to prevent candidates from mistakenly pressing the accelerator, it is temporarily sealed or even removed. Below is the relevant introduction: Subject 2 Test: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment, referred to as the field driving skills test. For the C1 license, the test items include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, hill start and stop, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curve) as the five mandatory items (some regions have a sixth item, high-speed card collection). For the C2 license, the test items include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curve) as the four mandatory items. Test Scheduling: In April 2016, the "Decision on Amendments" was officially implemented, allowing self-study and direct testing for small cars, and simultaneous scheduling and consecutive testing for Subject 2 and Subject 3.
Stepping on the throttle during hill starts does not directly result in point deductions; the key is whether the overall operation is standardized. Based on my experience as a driving school examiner, students often lose points due to poor coordination, such as stalling from pressing the throttle too hard or failing to use the clutch's friction point, causing the vehicle to roll back more than 30 cm—these mistakes typically cost over 10 points. The correct procedure is: first engage the handbrake and press the brake, release the clutch to the friction point, then gently press the throttle to provide power before releasing the handbrake for a smooth start. During practice, simulate hill scenarios frequently to train sensitivity in throttle-clutch coordination, ensuring smooth operation without stalling, which reduces errors during the test. Cultivating safe driving habits ensures greater confidence in daily driving.
When I was learning to drive, hill starts made me nervous as I was always worried about pressing the accelerator and losing points. Later, my coach taught me step by step: press the clutch, pull the handbrake, feel the car slightly vibrate, then gently press the accelerator to add power while releasing the handbrake to move forward. This method prevents rolling back or stalling, ensuring no points are deducted in the test. The key is to control the accelerator gently and coordinate with the clutch properly. During my practice, I first got the hang of it in neutral gear, then tried a few times on actual slopes. Once familiar, it felt simple. Don’t be afraid to press the accelerator—the focus is on using the right method. Practice a few more times, stay relaxed, and you’ll naturally get the rhythm.
Applying throttle during hill starts is a necessary operation, and whether points are deducted depends on whether it leads to mistakes. For example, stalling or rolling backward will result in point deductions, but pressing the throttle itself is not a violation. The correct method is to smoothly apply throttle while using the handbrake to assist the start, thereby reducing risks. From a safety perspective, a stable start is more important than sudden acceleration, so coordination is key during the test. During practice, focus on the coordination between the throttle and clutch.
