Should the Clutch Be Depressed When Braking in Subject Three?
3 Answers
In Subject Three, you should depress the clutch before braking because the speed requirement during the test is not high, generally maintained at around 25 to 40 km/h. At lower speeds, braking directly can easily cause the engine to stall, leading to point deductions and affecting test performance. For light braking in Subject Three, there's no need to depress the clutch. Light braking involves gently pressing the brake and then releasing it, repeating this action to gradually reduce the vehicle speed. During this process, depressing the clutch is unnecessary, but it's important to apply gentle pressure on the brake to avoid stalling the engine.
When I first started learning to drive and taking the Subject 3 test, this issue gave me a headache for quite some time. The instructor taught me that whether to press the clutch when braking depends on the speed. For example, when driving at high speeds, such as in traffic moving at 50 km/h or above, just pressing the brake is sufficient, as the engine can help decelerate, making the car more stable and safer. However, when the speed drops to a slow pace, such as below 10 km/h when coming to a stop, you must press the clutch; otherwise, the car is prone to stalling, which will directly result in points deduction during the test. Once during practice, I didn’t pay attention and only pressed the brake without the clutch when stopping at a red light at an intersection. The car suddenly stalled, causing me to lose points—a lesson I won’t forget. Later, I developed a habit: coordinating the clutch with the brake during starts and low speeds, and lightly tapping the brake first to decelerate at high speeds. The Subject 3 test evaluates safety awareness and practical control. Practicing more in simulated real-road conditions will make it smoother over time. Don’t fear mistakes; the key is to control the speed naturally. Adjusting the car seat position properly before the test can also help a lot, preventing awkward operations.
From years of experience coaching students, the key to operating the brake and clutch lies in safety and smoothness. At higher speeds, such as exceeding 30 mph on highways, apply the brake without engaging the clutch, as engine braking provides additional control force to prevent vehicle instability. Only at low speeds or when stopping, such as at red lights or slowing down for turns, should you depress the clutch to prevent stalling. During tests, examiners observe whether you transition naturally—avoid unnecessary pedal presses that waste energy. In actual driving, developing this habit can extend the lifespan of both the clutch and brake pads, reducing wear. Practice neutral coasting and starting techniques frequently, and familiarize yourself with different vehicle responses to boost your pass rate in the Road Test (Subject Three). In short, treat driving as an art—coordinate movements by feel. The challenge in the test lies in command responsiveness, so don’t let minor mistakes cause unnecessary tension.
