Should the accelerator be pressed during the uphill section of Subject 2?
3 Answers
There are two versions for the hill start in Subject 2: one requires pressing the accelerator (needs throttle), while the other does not (no throttle needed). 1. No-throttle version: After stopping at the designated point, turn on the indicator light, then slowly lift the clutch with the left foot (semi-engaged state). At this point, the car body will shake, creating a forward tugging sensation. Hold the clutch steady without releasing it further, then release the foot brake directly, and the car will move uphill. 2. Throttle version: Similarly, first press the clutch with one foot and the brake with the other. Slowly release the clutch with the left foot while keeping the handbrake engaged until the car body shakes and reaches the semi-engaged point. Pause the clutch-lifting action, then smoothly release the brake with the right foot and gently press the accelerator. This step is crucial. At this point, observe the tachometer needle; when it reaches around 1000 RPM, release the handbrake, gently press the accelerator, and the car will drive up to the hilltop. Finally, fully release the clutch.
Should you press the accelerator during the hill start in Subject 2? It depends. For manual transmission cars, if the slope is steep and the vehicle lacks power, you need to gently press the accelerator while releasing the clutch. Slowly releasing the clutch while giving some throttle can prevent stalling or rolling backward, which is a key point in the test. I've seen many trainees fail because they rolled back without pressing the accelerator, resulting in significant losses. During practice, start on flat ground to get comfortable before attempting hills, coordinating the throttle and clutch smoothly—don’t rush or be too aggressive. For automatic transmission cars, you generally don’t need to press the accelerator specifically; a normal start is sufficient, but ensure the car remains stable. Test center rules may vary, so it’s best to ask your instructor for specific guidance—safety always comes first.
I've been driving a manual transmission in the city for years, and hill starts are part of my daily routine. When going uphill, you need to press the accelerator gently, especially on steep slopes, adding some engine power while in the half-clutch state. Otherwise, the car can easily roll backward or stall, which is very dangerous. I remember when I was first learning to drive, I failed my mock test because I didn't press the accelerator and the car rolled back, forcing me to retake it. Later, by controlling the accelerator to around 1200 RPM and slowly releasing the clutch, I got much more stable. It's even simpler with an automatic transmission—just release the brake and press the accelerator to move forward. During tests, instructors often emphasize speed and stability, so it's good to practice in similar scenarios regularly. The vehicle's condition also matters; older cars might need a bit more throttle. Don’t forget to release the handbrake properly, ensuring every step is coordinated.
