
There is a time limit for hill start. If the vehicle is not started within 30 seconds after stopping, it will be considered a timeout and result in failure. Below are the specific details about hill start: Not stopping at the pole line: If the front bumper of the car or the front axle of the motorcycle does not stop at the pole line and exceeds 50 cm forward or backward, 20 points will be deducted. Body distance: If the body of the vehicle is more than 30 cm away from the road edge line after stopping, 20 points will be deducted. Vehicle rollback: If the vehicle rolls back 30 cm but not more than 50 cm after starting, 20 points will be deducted. If the vehicle rolls back 50 cm after starting, the test will be considered a failure. Stalling: If the vehicle stalls on the slope, 20 points will be deducted. Other precautions for the Subject 2 driving test are as follows: The first thing to do after getting into the car is to adjust the seat and mirrors to a comfortable position and state, and always fasten the seatbelt. For parallel parking, make sure to find the correct angle, turn the steering wheel quickly, react promptly, and coordinate with the speed of the vehicle. For right-angle turns, find the reference point and react quickly to turn, coordinating with the speed of the vehicle to avoid deviation. For curve driving (S-curve), the safest method is to slow down and proceed cautiously. When reversing into a parking space, control the speed, find the reference point accurately, and make slight adjustments if there is any deviation observed in the mirrors.

Every time I stop at a red light on a slope, I pay attention to the starting time. Although traffic regulations don’t specify exactly how many seconds it should take, in actual driving, you really can’t delay for too long. For manual transmission vehicles, if you don’t press the accelerator within 2 seconds after releasing the brake, nine times out of ten, the car will start rolling backward. Especially on some steep slopes, I learned this the hard way when I first got my license—hesitating for just a few seconds caused the car to slide back, almost hitting the vehicle behind me. Automatic transmissions are a bit better, but staying stationary for too long can also wear out the gearbox. I recommend preparing by shifting gears in advance and decisively stepping on the accelerator as soon as the light turns green. This is the safest approach and can also avoid getting honked at by the car behind you.

Yesterday, while teaching my wife how to perform a hill start, I particularly emphasized the issue of timing. In the driving test for Subject 2, there is a clear regulation: after stopping at the slope, you must complete the start within 30 seconds. Although real-world driving isn’t as strict, experience tells me that exceeding 5 seconds can be quite dangerous. I’ve noticed that automatic transmission cars now come with hill-start assist systems, which help hold the brakes for about 3 seconds, but beyond that time, the car will still roll back. The most crucial part is coordinating the foot movements—you need to apply the throttle at the same time as releasing the brake. I’ve seen many beginners fumble around for too long, resulting in rollback collisions due to panic.

The technician mentioned this issue to me during the last car repair. The key to hill starts with a manual transmission lies in mastering the clutch engagement point. Normally, it takes 1-3 seconds to get moving. However, if it drags on for more than 10 seconds, the clutch disc temperature will rise sharply, and a burning smell indicates excessive wear. Although automatic transmissions don't require clutch pedal operation, the reaction time after firmly pressing the brake shouldn't exceed 5 seconds when starting, otherwise insufficient transmission oil pressure may cause slight rollback. It's advisable to maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead when parking on a slope, allowing yourself ample reaction time.


