Should the clutch be pressed when performing intermittent braking in Subject 3?
5 Answers
Intermittent braking does not require pressing the clutch. Intermittent braking refers to lightly pressing the brake and then releasing it, repeating this action to gradually reduce the vehicle speed. During this process, there is no need to press the clutch, but it is important to note that the force applied to the brake should be gentle and not too strong to avoid stalling the engine. Below is relevant information: 1. Subject 3: Subject 3 is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment, commonly referred to as the road driving skills and safe civilized driving knowledge test. 2. Test content: The road driving skills test generally includes preparation before driving, simulated lighting test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, lane changing, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning at intersections, meeting other vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and night driving. The test content varies depending on the type of vehicle being licensed. The safe civilized driving knowledge test generally includes requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, knowledge of safe driving under adverse weather and complex road conditions, and handling knowledge after traffic accidents occur.
When I first started learning Subject 3, I also struggled with this issue—whether to press the clutch when tapping the brakes. Actually, it depends on the speed change. Generally, if the purpose of tapping the brakes is to slow down to a low speed or stop, such as before a turn or during a U-turn, I recommend immediately pressing the clutch lightly along with the brakes. Otherwise, the engine might stall due to excessive resistance, which would result in a major deduction during the exam. However, if it's just a slight deceleration at high speed, you can rely on engine braking by only using the brakes without pressing the clutch. During the actual exam, safety comes first. I followed my instructor’s advice and developed a habit: pressing the clutch every time I tap the brakes, even for minor deceleration, to ensure a smooth and mistake-free performance. With enough practice, this action becomes second nature, preventing panic and errors during the exam that could affect your score.
After driving a manual transmission car for several years and observing the operation of the 'point brake' in Subject 3, I believe the key lies in speed and intention. When performing a point brake, if the goal is to rapidly decelerate from high speed to low speed, I would press the clutch to prevent stalling; but if it's just a slight deceleration to maintain driving, pressing the brake alone is sufficient. Recalling my exam days, the instructor emphasized safety details, where point braking was usually easier to pass when combined with clutch operation to avoid stalling and penalty points. In real driving, this isn't necessarily a rule, but exams prioritize stability. My personal experience is to develop the habit of coordinating clutch and brake at any deceleration point, which both protects the engine and boosts driving confidence. Practicing more simulations of different scenarios during training would be safer.
Pressing the clutch while braking in a manual transmission car protects the engine from stalling. For the Category 3 test's brake-tapping maneuvers like slowing down during turns, my approach is to press the brake while lightly engaging the clutch, disconnecting the engine to allow smooth deceleration—especially at low speeds, preventing unexpected stalls that could lead to test failure. Braking without the clutch risks engine shuddering or even stalling due to resistance, which would incur penalties and pose high exam risks. The principle is simple: during brake-tapping deceleration under high pressure, the clutch helps disconnect the power source. I personally used this method during practice to easily pass similar test sections.
Applying the clutch when braking is a safety habit, especially for nervous beginners during the Subject 3 test. I realized during practice that pressing the clutch when speed drops rapidly reduces the chance of stalling, ensuring a smooth transition without penalty. The exam rules emphasize precise operation—applying the clutch at the braking point ensures a steady pass. In the long run, developing this synchronized operation protects both vehicle longevity and safety. It's advisable to refer to the instructor's guidance and confirm the best timing through personal practice.
