Should the clutch be pressed throughout Subject 2 driving test?
2 Answers
Subject 2 driving test does not require pressing the clutch throughout the entire process. Lightly pressing the clutch continuously would increase the difficulty of the test. When going uphill, lightly pressing the clutch may lead to insufficient power, making it difficult to climb. The working principle of the clutch is to temporarily separate and gradually engage the engine and transmission by depressing or releasing the clutch pedal, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power input from the engine to the transmission. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skill test. For small vehicles C1 and C2, the test items include five mandatory components: reversing into a garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and curve driving.
Do you need to keep pressing the clutch pedal throughout Subject 2? I just passed the test, so here’s my experience: You don’t actually need to press it the entire time. During maneuvers that require precise speed control—like reverse parking, parallel parking, and stopping on a slope—you should use the half-clutch technique to move slowly, or you might cross the lines. But when moving between test sections or driving straight, you can fully release the clutch to let the car move at a steady speed, which reduces foot fatigue. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that keeping the clutch pressed the whole time increases the risk of stalling and may lead to point deductions for improper clutch usage. Especially during summer practice, keeping your foot tense all the time is exhausting. Later, I learned to release the clutch on flat sections and passed the test in one go. Key takeaway: The clutch is a control tool, not an on/off switch.
