Should I Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First in Driving Test Part 3?
4 Answers
You should shift gear first and then release the handbrake. The reasons are as follows: 1. This sequence is primarily for safety considerations. After engaging the gear, the power transmission path in the transmission is connected. When first shifting into gear, the transmission is in first gear, which provides the highest torque. If the brake is not properly applied, the car may suddenly lurch forward. 2. Engaging the gear without releasing the handbrake means all the power output by the engine will be absorbed by the torque converter, causing its temperature to rise sharply. Prolonged operation in this state can damage the torque converter. 3. For dual-clutch transmissions, after engaging the gear, the clutch friction plates will be in a semi-engaged state. Prolonged semi-engagement can lead to burning of the friction plates, so it's necessary to start moving as soon as possible.
When I first started learning to drive, I paid special attention to the starting sequence. For the driving test (Subject 3), you must engage the gear before releasing the handbrake, otherwise you might fail. Think about it—if the car is parked on a slope and you release the handbrake before engaging the gear, the car could roll backward, and the examiner would deduct points immediately. The standard procedure is to press the clutch, shift into first gear, and then release the handbrake—this ensures a smooth and safe start. I practiced this step repeatedly during training to build muscle memory. If you do it backward, even a small mistake could cost you, as the test rules are strict, especially during the starting phase when the examiner watches closely. I recommend doing mock tests before the exam and practicing in your home parking spot to ensure safety and smooth execution. Passing Subject 3 in one go isn’t a dream!
From my personal experience taking the driving test (Subject 3), I can confirm that shifting gears must absolutely come before releasing the handbrake. On the exam day, I was extremely nervous, but my instructor emphasized that getting the sequence wrong is a fatal mistake - releasing the handbrake first would cause the car to roll, resulting in automatic failure. In actual operation, you should first depress the clutch and shift gears to connect the engine with the wheels before gradually releasing the handbrake to start moving. This ensures stable movement and avoids point deductions from the examiner. My friend failed immediately by reversing this sequence, wasting one attempt. Remembering these details is crucial, especially during hill starts. Practice repeatedly to develop muscle memory, and never overlook parking safety in daily driving. Mastering these small but vital techniques from the beginning ensures road safety.
From a car repair perspective, it's more reasonable to shift into gear before releasing the handbrake when starting. When the car is parked with the handbrake engaged, releasing it too early allows the wheels to move freely. If the car isn't in gear, it may roll, potentially damaging the chassis or causing accidents. Press the clutch, engage the gear to lock the gears, then release the handbrake for smooth power delivery. Neglecting this step during tests results in heavy penalties, so beginners should study the vehicle manual to understand the principles. Don't forget this point when maintaining your car, and regularly inspect the braking system.
