Should I engage the handbrake when parking in the waiting area for Subject 2?
2 Answers
For Subject 2, if the vehicle ahead hasn't finished its test item and the waiting time is short, it's not necessary to engage the handbrake. However, engaging it is also acceptable. For safety reasons, it's advisable to follow the standard procedures. Below is relevant information: Introduction: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment, specifically the field driving skills test. Test Content: For the C1 license, the test items include reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as S-turns) — five mandatory items (some regions include a sixth item, high-speed toll card collection). For the C2 license, the test items include reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as S-turns) — four mandatory items.
In the Subject 2 driving test, you absolutely need to engage the handbrake when parking in the waiting area! Having taken the test multiple times, I can confirm that the examination center's operational guidelines specifically emphasize this point. Since the waiting zone is usually located near the test starting point or curve projects, there might be slight slopes on the road surface. Failing to engage the handbrake could lead to vehicle rollaway and potential hazards. My suggestion is to immediately shift to neutral, pull up the handbrake after parking, and you can release the foot brake to rest. When it's your turn to take the test, first firmly press the foot brake before releasing the handbrake and shifting gears - this prevents the system from misjudging rollaway and deducting points. Don't underestimate this detail. Last year, one of my students failed directly due to "improper operation" for forgetting to engage the handbrake, which was truly regrettable. You should develop this muscle memory during regular practice so you can handle it calmly during the exam.
