Should I engage first gear or release the handbrake first in Subject 2?
3 Answers
First engage the first gear, and then release the handbrake. When engaging first gear, you need to press the clutch and the brake pedal to effectively prevent the vehicle from rolling back, as in the third item of the Subject 2 test—the slope fixed-point parking and starting—rolling back will result in point deductions. Here are some additional details: Subject 2 Test Items: Subject 2 consists of five test items. The first test item is parallel parking, the second is reversing into a parking space. The third test item is slope fixed-point parking and starting, the fourth is turning at a right angle, and the fifth is driving on a curve. Passing all these completes the Subject 2 test. Notes for the Subject 2 Test: Before the test, you should take a mock test once to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and the test site. After entering the vehicle, first fasten your seatbelt and adjust the seat angle and rearview mirror angle. If you fail the first test, you must immediately exit the vehicle and wait for the staff to drive the vehicle back to the starting position for another attempt.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, let me teach you a rhyme: 'One press, two shift, three signal, four check, five release handbrake.' First press the clutch and brake, then firmly shift into first gear, turn on the left turn signal and check the rearview mirror, and finally release the handbrake to start. Especially when starting on a slope, you must strictly follow this sequence, otherwise the car may roll backward. Remember to release the clutch slowly—when the tachometer needle suddenly drops and the front of the car slightly lifts, that's when you fully release the brake. I've seen too many learners fail their tests because they released the handbrake first and rolled backward on a slope. Build muscle memory in daily practice so you won't panic during the exam.
I just passed the second driving test last month, and the starting sequence was something the coach emphasized every day. Remember to engage the gear first and then release the handbrake—this order must not be reversed. The specific steps are: press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, step on the brake with your right foot, then shift into first gear with your right hand, and finally release the handbrake. At this point, slowly release the clutch until you feel the car start to vibrate, then release the brake. If you release the handbrake before shifting into gear, the car is particularly prone to rolling back more than 30 centimeters on a slope, which will result in an immediate failure. Practice forming this habit while training so that you can perform smoothly and error-free during the test.
