Should the Clutch Be Depressed When Starting the Engine in the Subject Three Test?
3 Answers
In the Subject Three test, the clutch should be depressed when starting the engine. Here are the details: 1. Introduction: Subject Three, which includes the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviation for the road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. 2. Test Content: The road driving skills test for Subject Three includes: preparation for boarding large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and small automatic transmission cars for the disabled; simulated nighttime lighting test; starting; driving in a straight line; shifting gears; changing lanes; pulling over; going straight through intersections; turning left at intersections; turning right at intersections; passing pedestrian crossings; passing school zones; passing bus stops; meeting vehicles; overtaking; making U-turns; and nighttime driving. The test content for other types of vehicles is determined by the provincial traffic management department of the public security authority.
For starting a manual transmission engine during the driving test (Subject 3), pressing the clutch pedal is indeed a mandatory requirement. Having observed numerous test-takers, I can confirm that failing to depress the clutch before ignition may cause the vehicle to lurch forward or stall, resulting in immediate point deductions or failure from the examiner. Engaging the clutch disconnects the drivetrain, ensuring the engine doesn't transfer power to the wheels during startup—a critical safety measure especially when accidentally left in first gear, where unintended movement poses significant risks. I recommend developing a habitual routine: always press the clutch, shift to neutral, then ignite. This disciplined approach not only boosts exam success rates but also prevents similar mishaps in real-world driving. The essence of safe driving lies in these meticulous procedures—there's no room for negligence.
The most memorable point when I was learning to drive was this: you must press the clutch to start the engine. During the driving test (Subject 3), the examiner closely monitored the steps, and failing to press the clutch while starting the engine was considered a violation. This design is to prevent accidental vehicle movement, such as on a slope where the car could roll back immediately after starting—extremely dangerous. The night before the test, I repeatedly practiced the sequence: get in, adjust the seat, fasten the seatbelt, press the clutch, and turn the key—simple steps that ensure safety. Even now when driving, I maintain this habit, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
